A bill that would ban the propaganda that seeks to promote life without children has passed in Russia’s Lower House of Parliament, winning unanimous approval from lawmakers.

The bill is being promoted as a means to increase the number of births in the country.

Among other things, it provides for fines for those deemed to discourage people from having children.

Individuals can be fined up to 400,000 rubles (about 3,800 euros), while the amount rises to 5 million rubles (47,700 euros) for businesses or legal entities.

Foreign nationals who support childlessness may even face deportation.

Official figures released in September showed that Russia’s birth rate had fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, a situation exacerbated by the country’s aging population and the war in Ukraine.

Last year Putin called on women to have lots of children to ensure the country’s demographic future.

Two more readings in the Duma are needed for it to become law. If approved, it will be sent to the Upper House for review and then to Putin for final approval.