Russian lawmakers back bill to stop "childless lifestyle" content

In a move thats stirring up debate‚ Russian lawmakers have given their initial thumbs-up to a bill that would put the brakes on content promoting a child-free lifestyle. The lower house of parliament (known as the Duma) voted unanimously to pass the first reading of this law about a year ago

Vyacheslav Volodin‚ whos a big-shot in the Duma and pals with Putin‚ said its crucial to shield folks – especially the young ones – from whats being called the “ideology of childlessness“ This stuff is popping up all over: online‚ in the news on TV‚ and even in ads

The push for this law comes at a time when Russiaʼs facing some tough population challenges. The countrys birth rate hit a 25-year low just over a year ago‚ and death rates are up (the ongoing conflict in Ukraine isnt helping matters)

To give you an idea of how serious this is‚ Putinʼs been urging Russian women to have at least three kids each. Its all part of a bigger plan to keep Russiaʼs population from shrinking

Heres what the law would do: itʼd slap fines on anyone pushing content that goes against having kids. Weʼre talking up to 400‚000 rubles for regular folks‚ double that for officials and a whopping 5 million for companies (thats about $51‚550 in US dollars)

But heres the kicker – Volodin says theyʼre not trying to force women into motherhood. He posted on Telegram: “The decision to have children or not is up to the woman. Who she wants to consult about this is‚ again‚ up to her“ But he made it clear that they dont want any propaganda swaying women away from having kids

This whole thing is part of what Russia calls its “national security strategy“ Its all about protecting what they see as traditional values. The lawmakers seem to think this law will help shape Russiaʼs future – both in terms of population and culture