In a surprising development, Russian authorities are reportedly discussing the establishment of a ‘Ministry of Sex’ to address the country’s declining birth rate, which has hit a record low in recent decades. This unconventional proposal is part of a broader initiative led by President Vladimir Putin, dubbed a “special demographic operation,” aimed at encouraging population growth amid a sharp drop in births.
The proposed Ministry of Sex would focus on policies and programs to encourage family growth, including incentives for couples, social programs supporting young families, and possibly even public education campaigns promoting childbirth. Although specific responsibilities and strategies have not been disclosed, officials have hinted that the ministry’s goals would be to “preserve the Russian population” by directly addressing factors contributing to the low birth rate.
Russia’s birth rate has seen a significant decline, hitting its lowest level in over 25 years. Economic pressures, changing cultural norms, and the impact of international sanctions have led to a growing reluctance among Russians to start families, prompting the government to explore various initiatives to reverse this trend.
The concept has already sparked widespread debate and, in some quarters, ridicule. Some experts argue that economic support for young families and affordable housing would be more effective measures, while others feel the idea of a ‘Ministry of Sex’ may be a media distraction. Nonetheless, officials suggest that this unusual approach reflects the urgency of Russia’s demographic crisis.
With the Kremlin focused on increasing the population, the establishment of a ‘Ministry of Sex’—if it materializes—would likely become one of the most unconventional policies in Russia’s recent history.