Russia’s health ministry recommends psychologists for women who say they do not want children
The Facts
- Russia’s health ministry has issued new reproductive health guidelines that recommend referring women who say they do not want children to psychologists.
- The guidelines instruct doctors conducting reproductive health checks to ask women how many children they plan to have.
- If a woman says she does not want children, the guidance recommends a consultation with a psychologist or medical psychologist aimed at encouraging a more positive attitude toward motherhood or parenthood.
- The recommendations were approved in late February and were reported publicly this week.
- The policy is being presented by Russian officials and media as part of an effort to address the country’s demographic crisis and falling birth rate.
- Multiple outlets say Russia’s declining birth rate has been a long-standing concern for President Vladimir Putin and has worsened since the war in Ukraine began.
- Some reports say the reproductive health checks are intended for women aged 18 to 49.
Context
What exactly do the new guidelines tell doctors to do?
They tell doctors performing reproductive health assessments to ask women how many children they intend to have, and if a woman says she wants none, to recommend a consultation with a psychologist or medical psychologist TV360 Nigeria,Estadão,TheJournal.ie.
Why is Russia introducing this policy now?
The guidelines are being framed as part of a response to Russia’s demographic decline and low birth rate, which several outlets say has worried Putin for years and has worsened during the war in Ukraine Leadership,SudOuest.fr,LaProvence.com,Communes, r….
Who is covered by the reproductive health checks?
Several reports say the checks are aimed at women aged 18 to 49, though the articles do not all describe the scope in exactly the same way Estadão,L'essentiel,O Globo.
The receipts — 33 sources
Wire services (1)
Independent coverage (32)
The news, read by both sides.
The day’s biggest stories in one short brief, built to show both sides and the competing values behind the headlines. Free in your inbox.