Russia's State Duma has taken a significant step towards passing a new bill that aims to combat the spread of information discouraging people from having children. The legislation, which still requires two more readings and approval from the upper house and President Vladimir Putin, would make it illegal to promote voluntary childlessness.
The proponents of the bill argue that advocating against having children is part of a larger Western effort to weaken Russia by encouraging a decline in population. They view it as a form of professional propaganda and a tactic in a hybrid war against the country.
