Overview

• Russian lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the promotion of 'child-free' lifestyles, citing a need to preserve traditional values.
• The proposed law includes fines up to 5 million roubles for companies and up to 400,000 roubles for individuals found guilty of 'child-free' propaganda.
• Russia is experiencing its lowest birth rate in 25 years, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising mortality rates.
• Critics argue the legislation is an overreach into personal lives and compare it to previous laws targeting the LGBTQ community.
• Supporters claim the 'child-free' movement undermines family values and contributes to Russia's demographic decline.