It might sound controversial, but Russia announced a monetary incentive scheme for young people to get pregnant.
Russia faces a demographic challenge as its birth rates hit a 25-year low. In 2024, only 599,600 children were born—a 2.7% decline from 2023. The country’s overall population also dropped significantly, falling at nearly twice the rate of the earlier year. These trends reflect not just natural demographic shifts but also the toll of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
To address the crisis, Russia has introduced the monetary incentives for female students to have children. In the Karelia region, full-time students under 25 receive 100,000 rubles (approximately $975) if they give birth to healthy babies.
This policy, implemented from January 2024, requires participants to be local university or college students and Karelia residents. Payments will not be made for stillbirths.
EXPANDING INCENTIVES ACROSS REGIONS
Karelia is not alone. Tomsk has launched a similar program, offering 100,000 rubles to students who register for pregnancy care. Altai is set to introduce an equivalent initiative soon to get young people pregnant.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy by at least 11 Russian regions to combat low birth rates. The regions target young, educated women with financial incentives.
INCREASED NATIONAL MATERNITY PAYMENTS
Russia has also increased national maternity payments. Starting in 2025, first-time mothers will receive 677,000 rubles ($6,150), up from 630,400 rubles in 2024.
Women having a second child can now claim 894,000 rubles ($8,130), up from 833,000 rubles. These increases reflect the government’s commitment to boosting family growth.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT: LONGSTANDING INCENTIVES
Incentives to encourage childbirth are not new in Russia. Since 2007, the government has provided “maternity capital” payments. These payments can be used to buy property or fund a child’s education.
Recently, concessions on family mortgages were tightened, starting in July 2024, to further support young families.
BROADER CHALLENGES: WAR AND EMIGRATION
Russia’s population decline is exacerbated by war and mass emigration. The ongoing conflict with Ukraine has resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths.
Additionally, over 1 million Russians, primarily young people, have fled the country. These losses compound the already dire demographic trends.
SOCIAL POLICIES: PROMOTING FAMILY VALUES
In November 2024, the Russian State Duma adopted a law to promote traditional family values and curb childfree propaganda. The legislation bans content encouraging childlessness in media, films, and advertisements.
Violators face fines of up to $4,120 for individuals and $51,000 for companies. This law reflects the government’s intensified efforts to address demographic decline.
A STARK FUTURE AHEAD
Russia’s population currently stands at 146 million, down from 148 million in the early 1990s. The United Nations projects it could plummet to between 74 million and 112 million by 2100 if current trends persist.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Monetary Rewards: Regions like Karelia and Tomsk offer 100,000 rubles to student mothers under 25.
- Increased Maternity Payments: National incentives for first and second children have been significantly raised.
- Legislation for Family Values: Laws now penalize childfree propaganda to encourage traditional family structures.
- Population Crisis: War, emigration, and low birth rates drive Russia’s demographic decline.
LOOKING AHEAD
These measures may boost short-term birth rates. However, addressing broader socio-economic challenges is essential. Retaining young citizens will also be vital for Russia’s long-term demographic health.
