The Russian State Duma has passed legislation banning the promotion of a childless lifestyle across all media, including films, advertising, and social media.
Those found to violate the new law could be fined up to €4,000, with civil servants facing double the penalty if they encourage such a lifestyle.
The push forms part of the Kremlin’s strategy to uphold traditional family values and address Russia’s escalating demographic crisis, which officials have deemed “catastrophic.”
“Everything needs to be done to make sure that new generations of Russians grow up with a focus on traditional family values,” said Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin following the law’s passing in the lower house of the Russian parliament.
The move mandates amendments to existing legislation obliging social media platforms to monitor and filter any content that promotes voluntary childlessness. Additionally, charters to mainstream media channels will be amended to ensure compliance.
The drive to discourage childlessness comes amid significant demographic concerns due to a declining birth rate across the country. President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, recently labeled the situation as “catastrophic,” stressing that raising the birth rate has become a national priority.
Recent U.N. projections forecast that Russia’s population could shrink by 17 percent over the next 50 years, potentially dropping to around 120 million. Meanwhile, an analysis by the Atlantic Council suggests an even more severe population contraction, predicting that Russia’s population could halve by 2100.
A ban on Russian children being adopted in trans-friendly nations
The Duma also approved new restrictions on the international adoption of Russian children, barring citizens of countries where gender reassignment through medical procedures is legal.
The proposed amendments to Russia’s Family Code prohibit adoptions by individuals from states that permit any form of sex change, including through medical intervention or administrative changes in official documentation.
Volodin highlighted the importance of these restrictions, asserting that “it is extremely important to prevent any encroachment on the possible change of gender by any means in case of adoptions to other countries.”
The move follows restrictions introduced back in 2012 when Russia banned adoptions by U.S. citizens, primarily due to diplomatic tensions.
The new law will affect at least 15 nations, predominantly in Europe.
