first invoice
Deputies of the Legislative Assembly of Bashkiria and the State Duma Elvira Aitkulova and Rimma Utyasheva proposed changes to the law On protecting children from information harmful to their health and development. The aim, they say, is to ban the public spread of an ideology that promotes voluntary childlessness among minors.
An explanatory note accompanying the bill argues that the popularity of this ideology stems from a belief that life should be centered on personal pleasure and immediate gratification. It is suggested that adherents frame themselves as champions of hedonism, a view that reduces human existence to the satisfaction of personal needs. The document asserts that a proactive stance in favor of childlessness constitutes the base of what it describes as destructive social behavior, rooted in the choice not to reproduce.
According to the proposed changes, this stance runs counter to traditional family values and to the state policy of the Russian Federation. The authors contend that current conditions allow conscious messaging in support of childlessness to influence public institutions, erode established value orientations, and contribute to a decline in population. They argue that such propaganda is harmful and should be addressed through legislation.
“Let’s heal by law”
Rimma Utyasheva, a member of the United Russia faction and one of the bills initiators, told socialbites.ca that there is a need to shield children and youth from unconventional value systems. She emphasized that in the country, women are future mothers and men are fathers, with children central to family life. The advocate for the bill asserts that the proposed measures are meant to preserve family values, motherhood, and childhood.
Regarding enforcement, Utyasheva indicated that the plan does not call for arresting people or imprisoning them. She signaled that large demonstrations or rallies seeking to promote such beliefs would be discouraged, stating that authorities do not intend to punish but rather to deter disruptive campaigns. She urged that a constructive dialogue around birth and family could be fostered, adding that encouraging language about childbirth and parenting can have a healing and unifying effect.
In her view, those who have chosen childlessness after experiencing hardship in childhood should be treated with empathy. She acknowledged the desire of some individuals to reflect on their past and make choices that align with their current circumstances, while maintaining that the state should guide families toward positive paths. The spokesperson suggested that social change should come through education and supportive policies rather than punishment.
The same line of reasoning was echoed by others involved in the discussion, who argued that policy should promote healthy family environments and respond to concerns about demographic trends. The debate touched on questions about how best to protect children while balancing personal freedoms, health considerations, and economic realities. Advocates stressed the importance of reinforcing positive examples of family life and encouraging responsible decisions for the next generation.
second invoice
The Federation Council and Roskomnadzor are coordinating a separate initiative aimed at expanding the range of subversive content topics that should be blocked. The proposal includes labeling information that supports childless ideology and what is described as radical feminism as prohibited material. Supporters say this approach would protect the rights of women who may feel pressured or misrepresented and would reaffirm traditional family roles.
Senator Margarita Pavlova argued that limits on the spread of what she terms childless ideology could help preserve traditional family values and the role of women within the family. Her colleague Lyudmila Narusova expressed concern that broad bans could stigmatize the law itself and warned that any enforcement should be carefully justified and legally grounded. Narusova also suggested that prohibitions, if pursued, be supported by solid forensic reasoning and a clear motivation.
Tatyana Sukhareva, head of the Womens Voice NGO, indicated that such changes could impact many women and that efforts are underway to mount legal challenges if the measures pass. She emphasized the personal stakes involved, noting how decisions about family, health, and finances routinely intersect with societal expectations. The broader discussion highlighted tensions between individual autonomy and public policy goals related to family stability and demographic health.
There was also mention of a plan to explore potential advocacy channels for families, while ensuring that any policy does not overstep personal rights. The conversation reflected a broader concern with how laws shape access to information and cultural norms around parenting and gender roles.
Third Invoice
The State Duma is examining another initiative focused on childlessness, proposing amendments to two existing laws: the 2006 information policy law and the state support for cinematography law. Nina Ostanina, head of the State Duma Committee on Family, Women and Children, outlined the proposal in a report to socialbites.ca in July. The intent appears to be to influence the portrayal of family values in media and to address ways nontraditional relationships are represented in artistic works funded by public money.
Proponents argue that the movement around childlessness has gained traction and that there is a perceived threat to traditional family values. The plan is to clarify that traditional family values center on children and to limit the dissemination of content deemed to promote nontraditional relationships, including through film distribution channels. This stance is presented as a protective measure for cultural norms and social cohesion.
According to the authors of the document, there is currently no explicit ban on promoting nontraditional family values in film or media; as a result, one of the proposed measures is to restrict the issuance of distribution licenses for cinematic material that advocates such ideas. The authors contend that this would help preserve established cultural standards while facilitating a more consistent public message about family life.
what psychologists say
Researchers from the University of Michigan reported that about one in five adults align with childless ideology at some point, often during adolescence or early adulthood. They observed that many of these individuals do not ultimately adopt childlessness, while noting that women are more frequently advised by others to reconsider the choice. The study notes that this topic remains sensitive and is influenced by personal experiences and societal expectations.
The findings were based on a survey of 1,500 adults in Michigan, and the results were published in Scientific Reports. Researchers emphasized the lasting impact of early attitudes on later life decisions and highlighted the complex interplay between personal health, economic considerations, and family planning.
Citation: University of Michigan study.