‘While the baby-maker is still working’: Russian lawmaker criticized for crude comments telling women to give birth

United Russia State Duma Deputy Alexander Iltyakov has come under fire for urging women to give birth “while the baby-maker is still working.” When asked about his stance on abortion, Iltyakov told the Yekaterinburg-based news outlet Ura.ru: “Do what you’re meant to do on this earth. Otherwise, by going against the Creator’s will, you’re killing yourself, your lineage, and your loved ones with your sin.”

Yekaterina Gerlach, a former investigator with Russia’s Investigative Committee, asked the Prosecutor’s Office to review Iltyakov’s remarks for “inciting hatred, enmity, and extremism,” reported 66.ru. She argued that public insults will not increase the country’s birth rate but will only heighten social tensions.

Iltyakov later doubled down on his statements, clarifying that by “baby-maker” he meant the uterus and eggs. “Be fruitful and multiply!” he added. “You think it’s harsh? Well, it needs to be said strongly so that people get it.”