The Russian parliament is working on the preparation of a law that would ban the promotion of a “childless lifestyle” and impose heavy fines for “propaganda of childlessness,” a close ally of Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.
Vyacheslav Vologyin, the chairman of the State Duma, announced that the representatives are currently examining a draft law which would ban “abortion” propaganda on the Internet, in movies, in advertising, and in the media.
According to Hungarian outlet Mandiner, Putin, who used to refer to Russia as a “bastion of traditional values” fighting a vital battle against the decadent West, is encouraging women to have at least three children, saying it will help secure the nation’s future. Currently, Russia’s birth rate, which stands at 1.49, is higher than the EU average of 1.46, but both are far from the replacement level of 2.0.
Russia’s birth rate has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, while the death rate has risen as the country is at war with Ukraine, according to official data.
Vologyin accused the phenomenon referred to by the authorities as a “childless ideology” of devaluing the institution of the family and discouraging women from having children. Many Western publications are known for promoting a childless lifestyle, with Russian lawmakers worried this trend is now prevalent in Russia.
— Max Amalek (@AmalekMax) June 30, 2024
“Groups in social networks often disrespect motherhood and fatherhood, and show aggression towards pregnant women, children and large families,” said Vologyin.
According to Vologyin, under the proposed bill, those found guilty of spreading “child-free propaganda” could be fined up to 400,000 rubles ($4,300). For government officials, the fine can be as high as 800,000 rubles ($8,602), and for companies, the fine can be up to 5 million rubles ($53,763).
