Russia Confronts Deepening Fertility Decline

(MENAFN) Russia is currently grappling with a serious fertility crisis, highlighted by a sharp decrease in the number of women capable of bearing children, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.

Speaking during a session with lawmakers on Tuesday, she pointed out that the group of women aged 18 to 49—considered the primary reproductive age—stood at more than 39 million when the nation's initial demographic strategy was formulated over ten years ago.

That number has since dropped to 34 million and is forecast to fall further to just above 27 million by the year 2046.

Golikova linked this long-term demographic erosion to the lingering effects of World War II and the financial instability that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s.

Both historical periods severely reduced the population of women in the reproductive age bracket, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s birth rates.

She underscored the importance of taking these demographic dynamics into account while designing the national initiative “Family,” which is aimed at boosting birth rates and assisting younger households.

The project seeks to counteract the population decline and secure a more stable demographic future for Russia.

In response to the issue, the government has introduced a series of economic measures to encourage childbirth.

These include one-time cash payments for new parents and broader maternity support.

Additionally, authorities have reintroduced the Soviet-era honor “Mother Heroine,” which offers financial rewards to women who give birth to or raise ten or more children.

As reported by a news agency, these efforts reflect the government’s broader strategy to address the nation's declining population trends.

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