Russia advises psychologists for women rejecting childbirth

Russia's health ministry has introduced new guidelines recommending medical psychologists for women expressing no desire to have children. The policy requires doctors to ask about childbirth intentions during reproductive health checks, with non-willing patients referred for counselling aimed at encouraging parenthood. This follows Russia's severe demographic decline, with a fertility rate of 1.4 children per woman - far below the 2.1 replacement level. The measures include tighter abortion regulations and bans on 'child-free propaganda', while offering financial incentives for larger families. The policy gained attention after state media coverage, amid concerns about population pressures from Ukraine war casualties.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/19/russia-to-refer-women-rejecting-childbirth-to-psychologists/