Russia is experiencing a severe demographic crisis, with birth rates reaching the lowest level in two centuries. The Federal State Statistics Service, Rosstat, reported that the fertility rate has fallen to an average of 1.4 children per woman. This decline has been exacerbated by the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant military casualties, with over 1.2 million soldiers lost since the conflict began. To address this demographic issue, the Russian Ministry of Health has approved new guidelines aimed at encouraging childbirth. Under these guidelines, during reproductive health checks, physicians are required to determine a woman's desire regarding having children. If a woman expresses that she does not wish to have children, the physician is mandated to refer her to a psychologist to promote a more positive attitude toward childbirth. These new directives, which were approved at the end of February this year, illustrate the government's response to the pressing population decline. State-owned and controlled media have been covering this initiative, reflecting the government's urgent strategy to reverse the downward trend in birth rates amidst ongoing social and economic challenges resulting from the war and its aftermath.