A Woman's Choice, or a Vicious Practice?

In a recent address to the Russian State Duma, Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health, advocated for a specific approach to educating schoolchildren about family and career priorities. For women, Murashko suggested emphasizing the importance of childbirth before pursuing a career.

“It is necessary to begin explaining [the importance of childbirth] already from the school bench … A completely vicious practice has developed in society: a belief has formed that a woman should get an education, then establish her career, secure a foundation for herself, and only after that, already approaching, so to speak, such a difficult reproductive age, take care of childbearing,” Murashko said.

The minister highlighted concerns related to women's reproductive health. He pointed out that issues such as infertility or the inability to conceive children are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, he noted that various health challenges are arising, affecting women's ability to bear a third or fourth child, thus reducing the optimal timeframe for childbirth.

“The situation should be radically reconsidered, and the message should be completely different,” Murashko said.

The minister emphasized the significance of the age at which a woman gives birth to her first and second child, underscoring its impact on both the child's and the woman's health. He pointed out that early childbirth plays a vital role in preventing gynecological diseases. Moreover, according to Murashko, timely family planning is crucial, as it helps women avoid potential career disruptions to their professional pursuits.

Murashko has also recently publicly advocated for “strict control” of abortion drugs, which the Ministry of Health has already initiated.