'Matryoshka' not on Russian women's minds

First, there will be fewer and fewer kids in Russia.

Then, if the trend doesn't experience a reversal, the Russian population will eventually go down to zero.

So serious is the problem that among those that's tops on President Vladimir Putin's agenda is increasing childcare benefits as a way to encourage women to have more children.

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Low birth rate is Russia's biggest problem says President Putin
By Gudrun Schultz

MOSCOW, Russia, May 10, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) –Plunging birth rates are the central factor in Russia’s “critical” population decline, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an annual address to the nation, reported the BBC today.

Russia’s falling birth rate is leading to a population crisis in the country, with an annual decline of 700,000 people. Increasing mortality rates and migration are also contributing factors, said President Putin.

Full article at LifeSite

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Plus, Mothering Russia, a short commentary which offers deeper insight on the situation.


** Photo courtesy of The Sydney Morning Herald