Russia has introduced new health rules to tackle its falling birth rate. Under these guidelines from the health ministry, doctors will now ask women during check-ups how many children they want to have.

If a woman says she does not want any, doctors are advised to refer her to a medical psychologist. The goal is to help build a more positive view toward having children.

This step comes as Russia faces a serious population drop. For many years, President Vladimir Putin has worried about the low number of births. The problem has grown worse with many young men sent to fight in Ukraine, leaving fewer people to start families.

The country’s birth rate is now far below what is needed to keep the population steady.

The new approach focuses on reproductive health visits for women.
During these appointments, questions about family plans will become standard.

The referral to a psychologist is meant as support, not force, though it has sparked debate. Some see it as a way to encourage bigger families, while others question if it respects personal choices.

Russia has tried other ways to boost births in the past, like offering money or benefits for more kids. These latest guidelines add pressure through health checks. They tie into broader efforts to fight the demographic crisis and keep the nation strong for the future.

The news has spread quickly online, with many sharing views on social media. People in different countries are discussing how governments handle family and personal decisions. In Russia, the focus remains on turning things around before the population shrinks even more.

Overall, this policy shows how seriously leaders take the birth rate issue. It aims to change attitudes one consultation at a time. Whether it will raise the number of births remains to be seen, but it marks a bold move in addressing a long-term national challenge.