Russia should bring back the Soviet Union’s “childlessness tax” in a bid to boost birth rates, one Russian MP has proposed.

Speaking to the pro-government Tsargrad TV channel, State Duma Deputy Andrey Gurulyov suggested that the parliament pass a law forcing those without children to contribute to a fund that could be used to support orphans.

Gurulyov, a former army officer, personally participated in the 2014 invasions of Ukraine and the 2015 Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war. He entered politics in 2019 and has been an MP since 2021.

According to Gurulyov, he paid the tax as a young man while serving in the army during the Soviet Union. He argues that the tax would encourage people to have children, which he believes is important for a man’s legacy.

“What remains of a man in this life? When you’re gone, what remains? First, your name, and second, your children. Everything else doesn’t matter to anyone,” Gurulev said.

During the Soviet era, childless men aged 20 to 50 and married childless women aged 20 to 45 were required to pay a portion of their salary – up to 6% – to the state as a tax on childlessness. The law was strictly enforced, with certain exceptions for war heroes, students, individuals on low wages and those who were infertile. The tax aimed to address low birth rates, a problem that Russia still faces today.

Concerns regarding Russia's declining birth rate have prompted a series of legislative initiatives, including a controversial proposal aimed at banning "childfree propaganda." A new bill, currently under review, seeks to limit the promotion of childlessness across media, advertising and online platforms. Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, has stated that individuals found guilty of disseminating this so-called "propaganda" could face fines of up to RUB400,000 (approximately $4,300), comparable to penalties imposed for "LGBT propaganda."

According to official data published by the Russian government, Russia's demographic crisis is worsening, with the birth rate reaching its lowest level since the 1990s. In June, the number of newborns fell by 6% to 98,600, compared to a year prior.

However, young Russians may require additional incentives to start families. A study conducted by HSE University in Moscow in May 2023 revealed that 30% of respondents who once expressed a desire to have children have either postponed their plans or decided against parenthood entirely. The majority attributed their decision to the prevailing political and economic instability.