Russia’s Efforts to Address Declining Birth Rates Amidst Rising Defense Spending

President Vladimir Putin seeks to increase birth rates in Russia. Although abortion remains legal, authorities oppose it strongly. Recently, Putin urged measures to make search engines highlight pregnancy support websites when users search for abortion services.

While funding for women and family support is lacking, Russia’s defense spending is significant. The upcoming federal budget allocates over a third to defense. Healthcare and social payments see cuts and delays.

Historical Context

Putin’s focus on fertility continues a historical trend. In 1944, Josef Stalin created the “Mother Heroine” award for women raising at least ten children. Putin revived this title in 2022.

At the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin called low fertility a major national security concern, despite ongoing security threats. Russia’s fertility rate is low, with only 1.352 children per woman, far from the 2.1 required for population replacement.

Birth rates are declining. In 2025, only 1.19 million births were recorded. By 2036, the population could dip to about 141 million, while labor needs rise significantly. The government launched the “Family” project to support growing families with financial incentives. Yet, access to abortion is increasingly restricted across regions.

Economic Challenges and War Priorities

Economic difficulties lead many women to choose abortion. A Vologda plan identified economic hardship as the primary reason for 59.8 percent of abortion decisions. Challenges include unstable incomes and housing issues.

Russia’s war efforts demand high financial resources. The draft 2027 budget assigns 35.2 percent to defense spending. Healthcare receives only 3.7 percent. The “Family” project’s funding falls short of previous promises.

Healthcare funding in regions decreased by 5.8 percent in early 2025. Budget cuts affect education and social support in areas like Primorsky Krai. Wartime demands strain budgets, leading to delays in social payments.

In his September speech, Putin claimed demographic issues did not stem from wartime activities. However, the prolonged war, reported to cause 1.4 million casualties among Russian men, exacerbates these challenges.

If the Kremlin wants more births, it should support families financially and avoid controlling online searches. Delivering promised payments and preventing further military casualties are essential steps.