Russian official claims women are 'genetically programmed' to want children

The desire to have children is genetically ingrained in women, but society must create the right conditions for it, says Russian Academy of Sciences member Gennady Onishchenko

The maternal instinct is genetically embedded in women, but society has failed to provide the necessary conditions for motherhood, Gennady Onishchenko, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and deputy president of the Russian Academy of Education, stated at a press conference in Moscow, TASS reports.

"Women have the maternal instinct hardwired into their genes. The issue is that we haven't created the right environment for them. If a young woman finishes school at 18, enrolls in university or college, and needs five years to study, who will take her exams for her if she has a child? And her scholarship won't cover the costs—so we need to create the right conditions," Onishchenko explained.

The expert also commented on a recent Health Ministry document mandating consultations with medical psychologists for women who do not plan to have children.

"A psychologist could help alleviate anxieties and provide clarity on certain issues," he noted.

Earlier, TASS reported that the Health Ministry had approved a document requiring women who do not intend to have children to be referred for counseling with a medical psychologist.

## Health Ministry Recommends Psychological Counseling for Russian Women Not Planning Children