Fertility in two capital cities of Russia

The article presents a comparative analysis of fertility trends in Moscow and St. Petersburg from 2007 to 2022. This time frame was selected to combine initiation of the «maternity capital» program and the latest data released by Rosstat. The rationale behind choosing these specific cities as the focal points of the research was thoroughly elaborated. There were used different analytical methodologies, including descriptive statistics, variation analysis, assessment of structural changes, and graphical representation. Key similarities and differences in fertility patterns between the two urban centers were carefully examined. The study substantiates a notable resurgence of traditional values, as evidenced by the shifts in registered marriage rates observed in both metropolises. The findings of the study show an increase in the average age of mothers at the birth of the first child in metropolitan settings. These findings may be used in formulation of targeted family planning policies and interventions aimed at bolstering responsible parenting practices and fostering the well-being of mothers and children. Moreover, these findings bear relevance for development of short-term population projections, healthcare planning initiatives, and strategies aimed at solving the social problems connected with the urban population growth and its concomitant effects on societal well-being.