Russia Discusses Population Development Issues, Identifying Four Major Public Welfare Concerns Related to Childbirth
On May 29, the Committee under the President of Russia tasked with implementing national population and family policies held a meeting. Mikhail Kuznetsov, Chairman of the Executive Board of "People's Front," presented the organization's core recommendations on population-related issues during the session.
In May this year, "People's Front" conducted a public opinion survey involving over 30,000 participants. The results showed that 92% of respondents considered becoming a parent a source of happiness, with children being the greatest joy in life. However, the current social environment is deterring many from having children.
25% of surveyed parents reported experiencing unfair treatment: half of the complaints were directed at employers—companies unwilling to hire women with young children, or pressuring employees to resign due to frequent sick leaves, or refusing promotions. One-third of respondents said they repeatedly encountered difficulties when dealing with transportation services, schools, kindergartens, community clinics, and social security departments.
"People's Front" has identified four major issues:
1. Many women face rude, indifferent, or neglectful attitudes from medical staff during childbirth. Most new mothers deeply need humanistic care; thus, initiatives such as “Warm Care Maternity Hospitals” have gained widespread recognition. These institutions allow expectant mothers to learn in advance about the medical staff and hospital environment.
2. Infertility is now common among both men and women, yet men are far less likely than women to seek medical check-ups or treatment. Two major challenges remain unresolved: low willingness among men to undergo health screenings and treatments, and significant shortages of specialized medical personnel across regions.
3. Currently, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is only available in certain areas and has not been included in the national routine vaccination program. Given the direct link between this virus and cervical cancer risk, "People's Front" recommends accelerating nationwide mass HPV vaccination for girls once domestically produced vaccines become available.
4. Inconvenient travel remains a significant challenge for young families. "People's Front" previously called for the popularization of taxis equipped with child safety seats. Currently, the organization is collaborating with major domestic car-sharing enterprises to plan and launch affordable small passenger vehicles for household use.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866565649229836/
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