March 18, 2025

"How Are You, Still Haven´t Given Birth Yet?"


"How Are You, Still Haven´t Given Birth Yet?"
A pregnant woman stands in front of a window. The Russian Life files.

On March 13, Moscovites were presented with a giant pink road sign that read, "How are you, still haven't given birth yet?" The Moscow Department of Health's latest campaign started at a time when Russia is not only facing a demographic crisis, but also cracking down on reproductive rights.

In the pink ad, the word rodila (gave birth) appears with the "o" in the shape of a heart, but the campaign is far from a friendly invitation. According to Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, the birthrate in Russia is at a "terribly low level," with 1.4 births per woman. This is comparable to Japan and many European countries. Casualties in the invasion of Ukraine and the emigration of Russians have further fueled the demographic crisis. Peskov said that the way to solve this problem was to "increase the average birth rate." In other words, to urge women to give birth.

It's not the first time the government has incentivized women to give birth. In 2019, the show "Pregnant at 16" was aired on official state television. It was a copy of the American reality TV show "16 and Pregnant," and aimed at encouraging teens to "make the right choice" and keep their pregnancies.

Russian officials have also targeted abortion. Since August 2024, it has been illegal to buy abortion-inducing pills without a prescription. The Chairpairson of the Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, said that doctors that dissuaded patients from getting an abortion would be awarded bonuses. Meanwhile, the Ryazan Regional Duma proposed a law that would fine doctors who "induced" abortion. Therefore, any healthcare provider who mentioned any way to end a pregnancy would be penalized.

While Russia pushes for its women to give birth, the cost of living index has not gotten better. Food prices have increased by over 50 percent. The maximum benefits a woman can receive in a year and a half is R68,995 ($809), which is comparable to renting a cheap one-bedroom apartment in Moscow for a month. 

You Might Also Like

Fleeting Freedom
  • March 16, 2025

Fleeting Freedom

A Ural journalist was released from jail, only to be re-arrested.
Women's Rights in Wartime
  • March 04, 2025

Women's Rights in Wartime

Women's rights activists face increased pressure and reduced domestic violence resources in Russia.
Frontline Sex, Moscow Prices
  • February 11, 2025

Frontline Sex, Moscow Prices

Russian sex workers have flocked to the frontlines of Ukraine to satisfy soldiers' growing demand.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955