Russia Bans “Child-Free Propaganda” to Address Declining Birth Rate

Moscow, November 12, 2024 – Russia’s parliament has passed a new law banning “child-free propaganda” in an effort to encourage more people to have children. The government hopes the ban will help reverse the country’s falling birth rate.

The law, passed unanimously on Tuesday, aims to stop the spread of messages that promote a child-free lifestyle. Russia’s birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years, and mortality rates have risen, partly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Official data from September showed a sharp decline in births, which the Kremlin has called “catastrophic” for Russia’s future. The government is concerned about the long-term impact of a shrinking and aging population.