The number of birth defects in Russian children are increasing. About 10% of Russian children are born with deformities. This figure increases by an estimated 2% annually. Of the 9 million babies born in 1993, only 9% were completely healthy. Birth defects are a result of nuclear fallout, industrial pollution, and various other factors.

Below is a picture of a group of Russian children that are missing the lower portion of their right arms. In viewing this picture, you can understand how Russian women are discouraged from having children of their own because they do not want to risk having a child with birth defects like the ones below.