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Russia's Fertility Crisis Sparks Controversial Therapy Proposal

4/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russia faces a demographic crisis as fertility remains at 1.4 children per woman, the lowest in 200 years.
The health ministry proposes sending women who do not want children to psychotherapists, a policy critics label coercive and ineffective.
Critics urge the government to improve social conditions such as income and housing instead of pressuring women.
A weak fatherhood culture and high divorce rates further complicate the issue.

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Story summary

Russia faces a demographic crisis as fertility remains at 1.4 children per woman, the lowest in 200 years.
The health ministry proposes sending women who do not want children to psychotherapists, a policy critics label coercive and ineffective.
Critics urge the government to improve social conditions such as income and housing instead of pressuring women.
A weak fatherhood culture and high divorce rates further complicate the issue.