With birth rates reaching a 25-year low, Russia is exploring drastic measures to address its demographic crisis, including the creation of a “Ministry of Sex.” This controversial proposal, part of a “special demographic operation” launched by President Vladimir Putin’s administration, reflects the government’s heightened focus on encouraging family growth as only 599,600 children were born in the first half of 2024.
Parliament weighs in on new proposal
A petition calling for the establishment of a dedicated ministry to tackle Russia’s birth rate decline is now under review by the Russian Parliament’s Committee on Family Protection. Committee head Nina Ostanina, a prominent Putin supporter, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “We must organize ourselves and conduct another special operation,” underscoring the severity with which some officials view the issue.
The petition, submitted by public relations agency GlavPR, aims to centralize efforts to stimulate family growth.
Unconventional ideas to boost birth rates
In the face of a demographic crisis, officials have proposed a series of unconventional initiatives. Among them is a suggestion to shut off internet access and electricity between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. to foster intimate settings for couples. Another proposal suggests financial incentives for first dates, with payouts of up to 5,000 rubles ($50) per couple.
Financial incentives and intrusive measures
The government is considering direct financial support to encourage family formation, such as subsidizing hotel stays on couples’ wedding nights with grants of up to 26,300 rubles ($268). In some regions, further incentives have been introduced.
For instance, in Khabarovsk, young women can receive nearly $1200 for giving birth. However, these incentives are accompanied by increased scrutiny, as female public sector employees in Moscow have been asked to complete detailed surveys about their sexual and reproductive health.
Fertility testing and broader concerns
In Moscow, a free fertility testing initiative has attracted around 20,000 participants. Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova has highlighted the importance of prioritizing motherhood, as preliminary results underscore the need for reproductive planning. This demographic push comes as Russia remains engaged in its prolonged conflict in Ukraine, now entering its third year.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently described the birth rate decline as “catastrophic for the future of the nation,” signaling the urgency with which the government views the need to bolster its population.