Putin declares war on abortion and divorce in the Year of the Family

In late 2024, Turkey marked the beginning of its 'Year of the Family' initiative, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During an event in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized the importance of traditional family structures, arguing that a strong state is built upon strong familial units. He outlined numerous financial incentives aimed at increasing birth rates, including interest-free loans for newlyweds and enhanced allowances for parents of newborns. Erdogan's remarks included a vehement criticism of the LGBTQ+ community, whom he portrayed as a foreign influence seeking to disrupt Turkey's cultural values. This discourse aligns with increasing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals within the nation. Erdogan's government has firmly opposed LGBTQ+ rights, marking this year as a pivotal moment in reinforcing conservative viewpoints regarding family. The attack on LGBTQ+ communities and the promotion of traditional values raised concerns about a new wave of societal repression against diversity in Turkey. The LGBTQ+ community has faced heightened scrutiny and is now seen as a significant target of Erdogan's administration, which has suppressed pride parades and expressed hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights over the past several years. The president’s comments reflect an ongoing narrative that depicts these movements as threats to Turkish society. The socio-political climate in Turkey has deteriorated for LGBTQ+ rights, with the government view framing LGBTQ+ issues as part of a foreign conspiracy against Turkish integrity. Erdogan's statements regarding the decline in birth rates come amidst a significant demographic change, as Turkey's population growth rate plummeted to 0.23% in the previous year, down from figures over 2% in earlier years. His references to 'losing blood' signal the urgency the administration feels in combating this demographic challenge. As part of overcoming ‘harmful trends,’ Erdogan also urged earlier marriages and larger families, reiterating a demand for families to have at least three children, a position he has championed since 2007. In stark contrast, Russia has declared 2024 as the 'Year of the Family' as well, progressing on similar conservative family values. However, it has seen recent experiences with governmental pressures surrounding abortion and divorce, suggesting that such family movements may be a part of broader Eurasian demographic pressures. Despite measures in Russia to incentivize births, concerns have arisen regarding women's rights and personal freedoms in family planning. This context indicates that both Turkey and Russia are wrestling with contemporary interpretations of family values in the face of declining birth rates, focusing on reinforcing traditional roles and suppressing dissenting lifestyles. While these governmental initiatives resonate within their respective cultural narratives, they also risk exacerbating social divisions and oppressing marginalized communities.