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Putin Suggests Procreation During Work Breaks to Boost Birth Rate
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a bold plan to tackle the country’s declining birth rate. He has advised Russians to consider having sex during their lunch and coffee breaks to help increase the population.
Russia’s Declining Fertility Rate
Russia’s fertility rate is currently at 1.5 children per woman, far below the 2.1 required to maintain population stability. The situation has worsened due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has led to the exodus of over a million young Russians.
Encouraging Procreation at Work
Russian Health Minister Dr. Yevgeny Shestopalov echoed Putin’s sentiment. He emphasized that work should not prevent procreation. “Busy work schedules are no excuse,” he said. “You can make time during breaks because life moves too quickly.”
When asked about the practicality of this suggestion for those with long working hours, Shestopalov insisted that breaks were sufficient. “Use your break times wisely to build a family,” he added.
Additional Measures to Boost Birth Rate
To further address the crisis, the Kremlin has introduced several other initiatives. Women aged 18 to 40 in Moscow are being encouraged to undergo free fertility screenings to assess their reproductive health.
In the Chelyabinsk region, authorities have introduced financial incentives. Women under 24 receive a payment of 1.02 lakh rubles (Rs 9.40 lakh) upon the birth of their first child.
Restricting Abortions and Raising Divorce Fees
Russia has also increased restrictions on abortion. Religious leaders and public figures have been promoting the idea that a woman’s primary role is to bear and raise children. Furthermore, divorce fees have been raised to discourage marital separations.
Lowest Birth Rate in 25 Years
Official data revealed that Russia recorded its lowest birth rate in 25 years in the first half of 2024. In June, births dropped below one lakh for the first time. Between January and June 2024, 5,99,600 children were born, 16,000 fewer than the same period in 2023.
“This is catastrophic for our nation’s future,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. He added that Russia’s current birth rate of 1.4 per woman is comparable to rates in European countries and Japan, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
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