In a bold move to combat its demographic crisis, Russia is exploring the creation of a ‘Ministry of Sex’ to encourage family growth while introducing measures like financial incentives and strict anti-child-free policies.
By: Abbas Changezi
Russia is exploring the creation of a “Ministry of Sex” as part of its efforts to combat a declining birth rate and an aging population. Nina Ostanina, a loyalist to President Vladimir Putin and chairperson of the Russian Parliament’s Committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity, and Childhood, is reportedly evaluating a formal request to establish such a ministry.
With an ongoing demographic crisis marked by declining birth rates and rising mortality, the Kremlin has been driven to explore unconventional strategies to encourage family growth. One proposed measure includes suggesting couples disconnect from the internet and turn off lights by 10:00 PM to foster an environment conducive to intimacy and parenting.
To incentivize family life further, the government is considering financial benefits such as paying for wedding night hotel expenses and covering costs for first dates. Putin has also called on women to have larger families, setting ambitious goals of up to eight or more children. To support this, a recent law bans the promotion of child-free lifestyles across media and online platforms. Violators of this regulation face severe penalties, including fines of up to 400,000 roubles ($4,100) for individuals and up to 5 million roubles ($51,000) for organizations.
A Nation’s Struggle with Demographics
Russia’s population, currently around 145 million, has been in steady decline since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Projections indicate it could shrink by another 500,000 this year alone. This downward trend poses serious risks to the country’s economy and social infrastructure, spurring significant government investment in pro-natalist policies.
A Global Perspective
Russia is not alone in confronting demographic challenges. The global fertility rate has dropped from 2.5 in 2017 to 2.1 in 2021, below the replacement rate of 2.2 needed for population stability. Nations such as South Korea, with the world’s lowest fertility rate of 0.72, have spent over $270 billion on incentives for new mothers since 2006. Japan has pledged $74 billion toward similar goals, while Taiwan has invested more than $3 billion in efforts to encourage larger families.
The Limits of Incentives
Despite substantial spending, many governments have struggled to achieve lasting results. Some have resorted to extreme measures or stigmatizing rhetoric, such as calling childless women “cat ladies” in the U.S. or, in Japan, suggesting women undergo sterilization by age 30. France has proposed mandatory fertility testing for women at age 25.
Research shows that these approaches often backfire. Decades of studies suggest that policies rooted in financial incentives, coercion, or public shaming are not effective in increasing birth rates. Instead, sustainable solutions lie in policies that create supportive environments for families. This includes providing affordable housing, generous maternity and paternity leave, accessible childcare, and job stability, allowing individuals to build fulfilling lives while raising children.
As Russia grapples with its demographic reality, it may need to look beyond radical proposals and focus on nurturing the conditions that make family life viable and appealing. Governments worldwide should shift from pressuring women into parenthood to prioritizing comprehensive support systems that truly benefit families.
