Women in Russia who do not wish to have children are referred for psychological counseling.

To address Russia's rapidly declining population crisis, the country's Ministry of Health has introduced a new set of guidelines. Accordingly, with the aim of changing the mindset of women who do not wish to have children, it has been decided to refer them for psychological counseling.

Instilling a positive attitude towards motherhood in them is the main goal of this step, as reported to the French news agency (AFP).

Since Vladimir Putin came to power as president 25 years ago, Russia's declining birth rate had become one of his main problems. However, with the war against Ukraine that began in February 2022, this demographic crisis has further worsened due to the need to send hundreds of thousands of young people to the war front.

According to this new document, approved in late February and publicized through the media this week, doctors have been instructed that women aged 18 to 49 should be called for annual medical examinations to assess their reproductive health. Concurrently, it has also been recommended to examine the physical health of men in the same age group, but they will not be referred for psychological counseling.

The Kremlin leader views the decline in the Russian population as a serious issue for national survival, and he warned in 2024 that Russia would face the threat of extinction if the birth rate is not increased. Currently, the country's birth rate has reached its lowest value in 200 years, at approximately 1.4 children per woman. Demographers indicate that this rate should be 2.1 to maintain a stable population.

To control this situation, the Moscow government has tightened abortion laws in recent years, and propaganda promoting child-free living has also been made illegal. In addition, while large families are given great value through the media, the government also offers them numerous financial and social benefits.