Russia is exploring unprecedented measures, including the establishment of a “Ministry of Sex,” to address its declining population crisis. The initiative, currently under review by Nina Ostanina, chair of the Russian parliament’s committee on Family Protection, Paternity, Maternity and Childhood, represents one of several unconventional approaches to boost birth rates in the nation.
The demographic challenges, reportedly exacerbated by the ongoing Ukraine conflict since February 2022, have prompted a series of striking proposals. Among the most notable suggestions is a plan to shut off internet access and lights between 10 PM and 2 AM to encourage intimate activities among couples.
Proposed Measures by Russia:
1. Technology Restrictions
• Suggested blackout of internet and lights between 10 PM and 2 AM
• Goal: Encourage intimate activities among couples
2. Financial Incentives
• Monetary compensation for stay-at-home mothers
• Inclusion of housework in pension calculations
• Regional variations in birth incentives:
– Khabarovsk: Up to £900 (₹97,311) for students aged 18-23
– Chelyabinsk: £8,500 (₹9,19,052) for firstborn
3. Dating and Marriage Support
• First date subsidies up to 5,000 roubles (₹4,395)
• Wedding night hotel funding up to 26,300 roubles (₹23,122)
4. Workplace Initiatives
• Dr. Yevgeny Shestopalov, regional health minister, suggests using office breaks for “procreation”
5. Health Monitoring Program
• Mandatory questionnaires for female public sector workers in Moscow
• Key questions include:
– Sexual history
– Contraception usage
– Pregnancy history
– Fertility status
– Sexual health information
• Non-compliance results in mandatory medical appointments
6. Public Health Measures
• Free fertility testing program in Moscow
• 20,000 women already participated
Implementation Status proposed by Russia:
• Proposal organized by GlavPR agency
• Various measures under consideration by regional authorities
• Different regions offering varying financial incentives
• Moscow leading with a comprehensive monitoring program
The initiative represents Russia’s most aggressive attempt to address population decline, combining financial incentives with controversial monitoring measures and public health programs.
