Russia’s Bold Plan: Boosting Birth Rates with Workplace Procreation Proposal

Russia Unveils Controversial “Sex-at-Work” Scheme to Combat Population Crisis

In a bold move to address Russia’s declining birth rates, the Kremlin’s top doctor has proposed a controversial “sex-at-work” initiative. This comes as the country experiences its lowest birth rate in 25 years during the first half of 2024, despite various incentives already in place.

President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the Eurasian Women’s Forum, emphasized the crucial role of women in both the workplace and in boosting birth rates. He encouraged women to balance professional success with raising large families, asserting that women possess a unique ability to manage both career and motherhood effectively.

Dr. Yevgeny Shestopalov, Russia’s Health Minister, dismissed busy work schedules as an excuse for low birthrates and suggested that procreation could occur during work breaks. “The demographic situation is critical, and we must take immediate action,” Shestopalov stated.

Female lawmakers have also joined the initiative. Anna Kuznetsova and Zhanna Ryabtseva are promoting early family planning, while Tatyana Butskaya has suggested that employers monitor the birth rates of their female staff. In Moscow, women aged 18-40 are being encouraged to undergo fertility testing.

Expert Rebekah Koffler commented on Russia’s demographic initiatives, noting that the country’s declining birth rates mirror trends in other industrialized nations. The United Nations estimates a significant population decline for Russia by 2054, with the current birth rate insufficient to sustain the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

This new initiative aligns with previous Kremlin efforts to improve demographics, highlighting the ongoing concern over Russia’s future workforce and overall demographic stability. As the population crisis persists, it remains a critical issue for the nation’s long-term prospects.