Summary
Russia plans to send women who do not want children to see psychologists under new health guidelines. This decision is intended to address the country's declining birth rate, which has hit historic lows.
Key Facts
- Russia's birth rate fell to its lowest point in history at the start of 2025.
- The country's birth rate is currently at 1.4 births per woman, below the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population.
- Russia has been dealing with a decreasing birth rate and population for decades.
- President Vladimir Putin has focused on addressing this issue during his 25-year rule.
- New health guidelines will encourage women who do not want children to receive counseling aimed at promoting motherhood.
- In recent years, Russia has tightened abortion laws and targeted "child-free propaganda."
- The country's population might decrease to about 132 million in the next two decades.
