Russian Region Has "day of Conception" Holiday, Urges People to Stay Home and Procreate

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the declining birth rate the most pressing problem Russia is facing. It is already the least populated country of the world by area. Of course, it is a country that covers about one seventh of the world's land surface, but there is still a population loss problem. Russia has been losing about 3/4 of a million a year since the 1990s. There are a variety of factors. Less people wanting children due to economic uncertainties brought on by the cowboy capitalism which followed the fall of the Soviet Union. High rates of alcoholism and people emigrating to other countries are also causes. The programs have been meeting with some success, with birth rates on the rise nationwide.

Some of what is offered families that choose to have children would seem very foreign to parents in America. Things like extended family leave (with monetary help) medical care at no charge, family assistance, parenting education, cash grants, etc. The cash grant for a second child goes up to about 10,000 dollars. That amount is fairly close to the average yearly salary in Russia. The government programs together with a rising economy and greater stability have worked together to bring the birth rate up. Some creative marketing doesn't hurt either.

In the Russian oblast (region, or state) of Ulanovsk, September 12th is "Conception Day." This is the third year of the program, and it is working. Employers are urged to give workers the day off so that they can stay at home and - well, you know. The idea is to shoot for births 9 months down the line, close to Russia's national patriotic holiday. Couples who are successful are entered into drawings for cash and prizes. Last year the grand prize was a jeep, this year it is an apartment. The contest draws national fanfare and is seen as a fun way to address a real concern. Other cities and regions got in on the act too, with promotions like the big group kiss in Saint Petersburg.