Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko on Tuesday said that it is improper to delay childbirth for education, a career, or money, and women should give birth as early in life as possible.

“A belief has developed that a woman should first get an education and build a career, and that only after that should she think about having children. Then a lot of problems arise as a result: infertility, miscarriage, and IVF,” Murashko, who is a doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, said.

“A woman should understand that the earlier she gives birth, the better,” he told the Russian Parliament.

“The responsibility for giving birth early and often should be explained to girls in their school days,” he added.

Murashko said that postponing childbirth is a depraved practice that causes infertility and miscarriages.