Russian lawmaker's early motherhood advice sparks fierce online backlash

Tatyana Butskaya, a State Duma Deputy, has faced criticism after suggesting women should ideally have their first child before turning 25. Her remarks about the risks of later pregnancies sparked a heated debate online, with many followers arguing her comments were unrealistic or insensitive. Butskaya shared her views on family planning, claiming that women over 35 face a much higher risk of genetic disorders in their children. She also stated that men over 35 are only half as likely to father a child compared to younger men. According to her, children born to older fathers often experience poorer health outcomes.

The deputy, who has two sons born when she was 28 and 36, argued that early motherhood is biologically preferable. However, her comments drew strong reactions. One follower pointed out that pregnancy is not always a matter of personal choice, while another, born to a 38-year-old mother, criticised Butskaya's phrasing as harsh. A third shared their own struggle with infertility, eventually having a child at 32 after years of difficulty. This isn't the first time a Russian lawmaker has made controversial statements about family planning. In 2024, fellow United Russia deputy Elvira Aitkulowa proposed banning 'childfree propaganda,' framing voluntary childlessness as a national security threat.

The backlash highlights the tension between biological arguments and the realities many women face. Butskaya's statements, while framed as medical advice, clashed with personal experiences of those who had children later in life. The debate reflects broader discussions in Russia about reproductive choices and societal expectations.