Russian Lawmaker Proposes Pornography Ban for Childless Citizens Amid Fertility Crisis.

Proposal from Lawmaker Tatiana Butskaya to Restrict Pornography Access

According to TSN.ua: Russian State Duma deputy Tatiana Butskaya has put forward a proposal to block access to pornography websites for Russian citizens who do not have children. She argues this measure could help boost the nation's birth rate, which is currently experiencing a record decline. According to Rosstat data, Russia's total fertility rate fell to just 1.374 in 2025, the lowest figure recorded since 2006. This represents a drop from 1.4 in 2024, continuing a troubling demographic trend for the country's future.

Demographic Consequences and Public Reaction

Russia's birth rate has now been falling for ten consecutive years. Recent statistics show the share of the population aged 0 to 35 has shrunk from 55% in 1990 to roughly 40% in 2025. Butskaya suggested that if young people are not engaging in sexual relationships, they may be turning to other forms of gratification, such as pornography. This proposal is part of a broader, often controversial, government search for solutions to reverse population decline.

“We need to think about what can be done. Perhaps access to these sites should be granted only to those who have children,” stated Tatiana Butskaya.

The initiative has sparked public debate, as it could significantly impact youth and their sexuality. With the country's demographic situation causing growing concern, proposals to restrict access to adult content are becoming part of a wider discussion on how to increase the birth rate. This debate reflects deepening anxiety over Russia's demographic indicators, where a shrinking population poses serious long-term economic and social challenges. However, questions about limiting information access and its effect on young people remain complex and highly contentious.