Wed Nov 13 03:26:50 UTC 2024: ## Russia Bans “Child-Free Propaganda” in Bid to Boost Falling Birth Rate

**Moscow, November 13, 2024** – In a move aimed at stemming a plummeting birth rate, Russia’s lower house of parliament has unanimously approved a law banning “child-free propaganda.” The legislation, expected to be quickly passed by the upper house and President Vladimir Putin, seeks to promote traditional family values and counter what authorities deem a harmful trend towards childlessness.

The law comes amidst alarming demographic statistics released in September, which revealed the lowest birth rate in 25 years and rising mortality rates. The Kremlin has labeled these figures “catastrophic for the future of the nation,” with Putin emphasizing the importance of having at least three children to ensure Russia’s survival.

The new legislation, which joins other restrictions on free expression including bans on LGBTQ+ content and dissenting narratives on the war in Ukraine, will penalize individuals, officials, and legal entities who disseminate “child-free propaganda.” Fines range from 400,000 roubles ($4,100) to 5 million roubles ($51,000) for those found violating the law.

While some, like Alina Rzhanova, a 33-year-old mother in Yaroslavl, argue that economic hardship is the primary driver of the low birth rate, others, such as Yana, a 40-year-old Muscovite, believe that fostering a sense of stability and security, particularly outside major cities, could encourage families to have more children.

The law has sparked debate about freedom of expression and whether it will actually achieve its intended goal of increasing the birth rate. Critics argue that the legislation is more about controlling information and suppressing dissent than addressing the underlying economic and social factors contributing to the demographic crisis.

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