Russia Advances Bill Banning 'Child-Free' Advocacy

The proposed legislation targets materials promoting childlessness, reflecting Kremlin's push for traditional values amid demographic concerns.

Russia's lower house of parliament approved the first reading of a bill criminalizing 'child-free' propaganda.
The bill is part of a broader strategy to uphold traditional values and counter Western influence.
Legislation proponents argue that discouraging childbirth is a tactic to weaken Russia demographically.
Fines for violating the law could reach up to 5 million rubles, or approximately $50,000.
The bill comes as Russia's birth rate hits a 25-year low, exacerbated by ongoing casualties in Ukraine.