The Russian government is considering a proposal to increase maternity capital for mothers under the age of 24 by one million rubles. State Duma Committee Head Yana Lantratova sent the proposal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, believing it will encourage younger women to have children.
The initiative aims to address the trend of delayed motherhood in Russia, where the average age for a woman’s first child is 28-29 years old. Lantratova suggests this delay often leads women to prioritize career advancement and education, potentially limiting the possibility of having more children.
Lantratova believes that supporting women who have children at a younger age will increase the likelihood of them having subsequent children. She also points out potential benefits to women’s health associated with earlier pregnancies and childbirth.
The proposal seeks to potentially reverse the trend of delayed parenthood and increase the chances of Russian families having second and subsequent children. However, the age restriction of 24 has raised concerns, with some questioning why the increased support is not available to all mothers regardless of age. Others argue that maternity capital should be increased for everyone without setting age limits.