During a visit to Crimea, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced upcoming changes to how reproductive health is assessed for the Russian population. His remarks were carried by RIA News as a guide to new directions in health evaluation.
Murashko explained that the 2024 state guarantees program will include extra studies aimed at determining the reproductive health status of citizens across the Russian Federation. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the reproductive health of both men and women as part of the national health agenda.
Ruslan Tkachenko, who previously directed the ANO Institute of Demographic Development and Reproductive Potential, argued that no region in Russia currently has robust demographic tools ready to convincingly forecast a rise in the birth rate over the next six years. He noted that the total fertility rate would need to reach about 2.1 to demonstrate a sustained increase, whereas the current level sits near 1.3. The demographer suggested that the immediate priority is not a jump in birth rates but halting their decline.
Earlier surveys indicated that the majority of Russians still believe women can pursue a career while raising a family, reflecting enduring attitudes toward work and motherhood.