Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday that the Russian government should reverse the tendency of many women postponing having children for the sake of a profession. He also prioritized reducing the number of abortions in the country.
Murashko told members in the Russian parliament’s lower chamber that the importance of motherhood should be taught to women beginning in elementary school.
According to the minister, a “perverse practice formed in society when the conviction appeared that a woman first has to receive education, build a career, ensure financial security, and only then get around to giving birth.”
According to Murashko, delaying motherhood increases the chance of infertility and miscarriage.
“The situation needs to be reviewed,” he says, adding that the “earlier she gives birth, the better for a woman’s health, the health of her children, and her career at the end of the day.”
He also emphasized the importance of reducing the number of abortions conducted in Russia, suggesting that prohibiting private clinics from performing the operation be explored.
Murashko warned on Monday that the sale of medications used to terminate pregnancy could be banned by the end of the year.
