Demography
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Eastern Europe
Regions in Russia started to ban abortion. Is a national ban realistic?
Some regions in Russia have started legislating for restrictions on abortion. The Russian Orthodox Church is happy with that and even wants to see a nationwide ban on abortion. The population decline makes this necessary, the clergy thinks. According to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and other leaders from the Russian…
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Western Europe
French move children to the bottom of the priority list
For the first time in history, France is experiencing a record drop in its birth rate. “Today, having a child is often seen as a way of self-realisation”, sociologist Julien Damon said. Although the birth rate has declined since 2011, it has reached its lowest level this year, according to…
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European Union
European Commissioner highlights need for more justice and equality in family and migration
On 13 September 2023, the European Commission presented its annual State of the Union Address. The issue of childcare needs correction said European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen. She noticed that many parents, mostly mothers, are struggling to reconcile work and family because there is no childcare. The Union is…
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European Union
Christians speak out on Europe's demographic future
When 25-year-old Moushir Youssef came to study in the Netherlands, he noticed something different. As a Christian from Cairo, Egypt, he no longer saw the familiar scenes of families with their many children behind them. Instead, couples walked with few or no children. Back in his homeland, this phenomenon sparked…