Russian Women Without Child Wish Should See Psychologist - Russia's birth rate crashes to 200-year low as crisis deepens

Russia's birth rate has fallen to its lowest level in over 200 years. The country's fertility rate now stands at just 1.4 children per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to keep the population stable. In response, the government has introduced new measures to address the sharp decline.

Over the past five years, Russia's fertility rate has dropped from 1.5 to around 1.2 children per woman. This places it below the EU average of 1.46 and far behind countries like France and Sweden, where rates remain closer to 1.7. Italy and Spain have seen similar declines, but Russia's situation is now among the most severe.

Under new guidelines from the Health Ministry, doctors must now ask women about their childbearing plans during routine medical checks. Those who express no desire for children could be referred to psychologists. The aim is to encourage more women to consider having babies. The government has already taken steps to slow the population decline. These include tighter restrictions on abortions and increased financial support for families with multiple children. Despite these efforts, the birth rate continues to fall.

The latest measures reflect growing concern over Russia's shrinking population. With fertility rates at historic lows, authorities are pushing for interventions to reverse the trend. The success of these policies will determine whether the country can stabilise its demographic future.