MOSCOW, April 1 -- Russian women say the idea of "therapising" them into having children is coercive, cruel and unworkable, and will do little to reverse declining birth rates - currently at their lowest in 200 years.

The health ministry approved new guidelines in February recommending that health professionals send women who do not want children to a psychotherapist with the aim of "fostering a positive attitude toward motherhood".

But women who spoke to AFP said the plan would not work. They asked to be referred only by their first names for this story.

"I don't see myself as a mother and I don't see any reasons why having children would make me happier," said Maria, a 25-year-old IT specialist.

"I might change my point of view. But...