Over 44,000 families in Moscow Oblast complete expectant-parent training
In short
More than 44,000 families in the Moscow region have completed training at schools for future parents, according to TASS and RIA Novosti. TASS said the training is free of charge. Neither report gave a time frame for the courses, the number of such schools or who runs them.
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More than 44,000 families in the Moscow region have completed training at schools for future parents, TASS and RIA Novosti reported on the same day. TASS said the training is free of charge. [ 1 , 2 ]
The two reports gave no time frame for the courses, did not say over what period the 44,000 families were counted, and did not identify who runs the schools or how many of them exist. Both outlets are state-owned. RIA Novosti's report consisted of the figure alone, while TASS added only that participation costs nothing. [ 1 , 2 ]
Why it matters
The reports present the figure as evidence of the scale of a regional programme that prepares families for the birth of a child, run at no cost to participants according to TASS. Because both documents are official state outlets and give no independent assessment, the significance of the number cannot be gauged beyond what the outlets state.
Key facts
- More than 44,000 families in the Moscow region completed training at schools for future parents, according to TASS and RIA Novosti. [ 1 , 2 ]
- TASS reported that the training is free of charge. [ 1 ]
- The two reports were published within about two and a half hours of each other on the same day. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Neither report specified when the training took place or over what period the 44,000 families were counted. [ 1 , 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether the training is free of charge. Only TASS stated this; RIA Novosti's headline and summary did not mention cost.
- When the training took place and over what period the 44,000 families were counted. Neither document gives a time frame for the courses or the count.
- Who organises the schools for future parents and how many of them exist. Neither document names an organising body or gives the number of schools.