The bill is another Russian measure against the so-called liberal ideas of the West.
Faced with an aging population and a low birth rate, Moscow is trying to stave off a demographic decline that threatens its economic future. The demographic crisis has been further exacerbated by Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine.
In the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, lawmakers unanimously approved a bill banning the promotion of “refusal to have children.” The bill applies to public materials, both online and in the media, advertisements and films. A fine of up to 400,000 rubles (3,755 euros) is provided for individuals and up to five million rubles for companies. The draft law also contains a provision on the deportation of foreigners.
The speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin said that the purpose of the bill is “to protect citizens, mainly the young generation, from information spread in the media space that negatively affects personality development.”
This is done “so that the new generations of our citizens grow up oriented to traditional family values”, the politician said.
The bill will enter into force after approval by the upper house of parliament and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
The bill would amend existing law that already prohibits any information that promotes LGBTQ relationships or gender reassignment.
In the third reading, the State Duma also adopted a bill that prohibits foreigners from countries where gender reassignment is allowed to adopt children from Russia.
Since 1993, foreigners have adopted 102,403 children from Russia, Volodin said, warning that “Western policy towards children is destructive.”
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Demography Expert Dr. Anna Petrov
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Petrov. Thank you for joining us today to discuss this recent bill passed by the Russian State Duma. It seems to be a part of the broader narrative against liberal Western ideas. What are your initial thoughts on this legislation?
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. The bill to ban the promotion of “refusal to have children” certainly reflects Russia’s significant concerns regarding its demographic trends. With an aging population and a plummeting birth rate, this is a desperate attempt to counteract a looming demographic crisis that threatens the country’s economic viability.
Editor: Absolutely. The Russian government appears to be facing pressure from the intersection of an aging population and the impacts of the Ukraine invasion. Can you elaborate on how these factors are contributing to the crisis?
Dr. Petrov: Certainly. Russia’s demographic challenges have been exacerbated by several factors, including the high mortality rates due to health issues, emigration, and yes, the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has strained resources and diverted attention from domestic issues. The war has also resulted in a notable loss of population, both directly and indirectly, as many young people are drawn into conflict.
Editor: This bill, including hefty fines for promoting childlessness, signifies a broader socio-political strategy. In your view, how effective can such legislation actually be in reversing demographic trends?
Dr. Petrov: Legislation like this may reflect immediate intentions, but its effectiveness is questionable. Demographic behavior is influenced by a myriad of factors—economic stability, cultural values, personal choices, and social support systems, to name a few. Simply banning promotion of nonparenting isn’t likely to change people’s fundamental attitudes or economic realities. If anything, it might lead to a backlash rather than encourage births.
Editor: Interesting point. The idea of imposing fines suggests a rather punitive approach to social change. Do you think this could backfire politically for the government?
Dr. Petrov: It certainly could. While some may see this as a protective stance for national interests, many others might view it as oppressive. Imposing such fines may amplify resistance among younger generations who are increasingly embracing individual choice and Western liberal values. In essence, this could lead to stronger divides rather than fostering unity in addressing these issues.
Editor: Given the current global context, do you foresee other countries facing similar demographic challenges in the near future?
Dr. Petrov: Yes, it’s an emerging trend across various nations, particularly those in Europe and even some parts of Asia. Aging populations combined with declining birth rates present a significant challenge. However, responses differ—some countries are focusing on immigration as a solution while others invest in family-friendly policies to encourage higher birth rates. Russia’s current trajectory, particularly through measures like this bill, is not the most productive route based on historical data and studies.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Petrov. Before we wrap up, what do you believe should be the primary focus for Russia moving forward to address its demographic concerns?
Dr. Petrov: The focus should not solely be on restricting certain ideas but rather on creating an environment where people feel secure and supported to raise families. This includes affordable childcare, healthcare access, better work-life balance, and promoting gender equality in both domestic and professional spheres. Ultimately, restoring confidence among the populace about the future will be fundamental to any effective demographic strategy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for sharing your expertise on such a critical issue. It’s important for our audience to understand the complexities behind demographic policies, especially as they relate to broader social dynamics.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue to discuss these topics that influence not just Russia, but the global community at large.