Amid growing concerns over Russia’s declining birth rate, officials are considering the creation of a “Ministry of Sex” to address the issue. Nina Ostanina, the chairperson of the Russian parliament’s committee on Family Protection, has raised the idea in response to a plea calling for the establishment of such a ministry. The initiative is a part of the country’s broader efforts to reverse the demographic decline, which has worsened due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Proposed Measures to Boost Russia’s Birth Rate
Several controversial measures have been suggested to boost Russia’s birth rate and reverse the demographic downturn:
- Turning Off Lights and Internet at Night: One of the more unconventional proposals is to shut off internet and lights between 10 PM and 2 AM to encourage couples to engage in more intimate activities during these hours.
- Financial Support for Stay-at-Home Mothers: To support families, the government is considering paying stay-at-home mothers who raise children and handle housework. These payments could also count toward their pension calculations.
- Government-Funded First Dates: A quirky proposal suggests that the government could fund the first date for couples, with a financial incentive of up to 5,000 roubles (around ₹4,395). This is seen as a way to encourage more couples to form.
- Wedding Night Funding: Another plan under consideration is the funding of couples’ wedding nights in hotels. This would involve up to 26,300 roubles (₹23,122) in public support, aimed at fostering pregnancies after marriage.
Regional Variations in Birth Incentives
The government has proposed different compensation amounts depending on the region. In Khabarovsk, female students aged 18 to 23 could receive up to £900 (₹97,311) for having a child. In Chelyabinsk, a firstborn would attract a much higher payment of around £8,500 (₹9,19,052).
Controversial Policies and Questions Raised
The government’s push for increased birth rates has led to more invasive measures, including questioning female workers about their sexual activity and health. Female public sector workers in Moscow have been asked to fill out intimate questionnaires about their sex lives, contraception use, and fertility. Women who refuse to answer these questions are reportedly ordered to attend medical appointments.
Efforts in Fertility Testing and Support
To further support the population growth initiative, Moscow authorities have been offering free fertility tests, with 20,000 women already participating. These tests are part of a broader campaign to address fertility issues and encourage more births.
The Broader Context of Russia’s Demographic Crisis
The creation of a “Ministry of Sex” is part of a larger strategy to reverse the significant demographic challenges Russia faces. The war in Ukraine has resulted in a substantial loss of life, further contributing to the country’s declining birth rate. With these new proposals, Russia aims to balance the demographic scales and ensure the future growth of the population.
In conclusion, while the idea of a “Ministry of Sex” is still under consideration, Russia’s efforts to address its demographic issues through financial incentives and controversial policies highlight the urgency with which the country is seeking solutions.
