Russia Intensifies Efforts to Combat Demographic Decline with Restrictive Laws and Pro-Natalist Initiatives

Russia Grapples with Persistent Demographic Challenges

The Russian Federation is actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to counteract its long-standing demographic decline, marked by a consistently decreasing and aging population. Official data indicates a total fertility rate (TFR) of approximately 1.41 children per woman in 2024, significantly below the 2.1 children per woman required for population replacement, and even further from the 2.2 needed to offset high mortality rates. The median age in Russia has risen to 41.9 years in 2025, reflecting an increasingly older populace. This demographic trend has been exacerbated by factors including long-term societal shifts, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to increased mortality and emigration.

Pro-Natalist Policies and Financial Incentives

To stimulate population growth, the Russian government has introduced a range of pro-natalist policies and financial incentives. These initiatives aim to encourage earlier childbirth and larger families:

• The long-standing 'Maternity Capital' program, initiated in 2007, provides financial support for families having a second or subsequent child.
• Starting in 2025, national maternity payments are set to increase, with first-time mothers receiving approximately 677,000 rubles (around $6,150 USD) and mothers of second children receiving up to 894,000 rubles (around $8,130 USD).
• Regional governments are piloting programs offering substantial one-time payments, such as 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,100 USD) to female students under 25 who give birth, and up to 150,000 rubles ($1,600 USD) to underage girls who become pregnant and carry to term.
• President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly emphasized the importance of population growth, stating that 'fatherhood and motherhood are happiness, and happiness should not be postponed,' and advocating for families with 'three or more children' to become the societal norm.
• In Moscow, authorities are expanding access to free fertility testing and treatments for women aged 18 to 40.

Restrictions on Abortion and LGBTQ+ Activism

Alongside incentives, Russia has implemented restrictive laws, framed as measures to support traditional family values and boost birth rates:

• Abortion Promotion Bans: At least 27 Russian regions have adopted laws banning the 'encouragement of abortions' by October 2025. These laws prohibit various forms of persuasion, including 'persuasion, requests, offers, deception, bribery or other actions' aimed at encouraging a woman to terminate a pregnancy. Officials assert these measures protect pregnant women and improve demographic trends. The Health Ministry has also issued guidelines for doctors to discourage abortions, and access to emergency contraceptives is being restricted. Some private clinics have ceased offering abortion services, and mandatory waiting periods and psychological consultations are in place to dissuade women from abortions.
• LGBTQ+ Activism Restrictions: In a significant move on November 30, 2023, Russia's Supreme Court classified the 'international LGBT social movement' as an extremist organization, effectively outlawing its activities. This ruling criminalizes activism and can lead to severe penalties, including up to 12 years in prison for participation or financing, and administrative fines for displaying symbols like the rainbow flag. This builds upon a December 2022 law that expanded the 'gay propaganda' ban to cover all public information and activities related to LGBTQ+ issues for all age groups. Additionally, a law banning gender-affirming care was signed in July 2023. These measures are often presented as a defense against 'Western' values.

These combined legislative and incentive-based approaches underscore the Russian government's intensified focus on addressing its demographic challenges, aiming to reverse population decline and promote a specific vision of family and societal structure.