Late last year, Russian lawmakers passed a bill banning “child-free propaganda,” with fines up to $50,000 for anyone promoting a lifestyle that doesn’t include having kids. Meanwhile, schools have been promoting the benefits of having children, online access to information about women’s health has been disappearing, and doctors have been under increasing pressure to rein in prescriptions for birth control. It’s all part of a campaign to cement traditional Russian values. Reporter Levi Bridges explains.
The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?