Burning issue since 1988: Vietnam's birth rate plummets, government scrambles to dump two-child policy
Vietnam's birth rate decreases: Government annuls two-child limit policy
Chillax, grab a brew, and let's talk about the latest move from the communist government in Vietnam, shall we? They've decided to ditch their long-standing two-child policy, aiming to counter the downward spiral of the birth rate - as per state media reports. Back in 1988, they put a kibosh on families having more than two kids. Now, it's all about personal freedom and choice, according to the national news agency.
Over the past three years, Vietnam's birth rate has been nose-diving significantly. Last year, it was a mere 1.91 children per woman, falling short of the replacement level required to maintain the population, as announced this year by the health ministry. In 2021, it was 2.11 children per woman, with the numbers dropping to 2.01 in 2022 and 1.96 in 2023. You can see this pattern most clearly in economically developed regions, especially in bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where living costs are skyrocketing.
Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong shared at a conference earlier this year that compelling families to have more children has become increasingly difficult, despite political adjustments and public campaigns. The plummeting birth rate presents a formidable challenge to long-term socioeconomic development in the face of an aging population and labor shortages, she stressed.
Given the historical preference for boys in Vietnamese culture, the country also grapples with a gender imbalance. As a result, it's illegal to inform parents of their child's sex before birth or to perform sex-selective abortions. Clinics that flout these rules face hefty fines. On Tuesday, the health ministry proposed tripling the current fine to a whopping $3,800 (€3,340).
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Now, let's delve a bit deeper into the current population and birth rate situation in Vietnam. As of 2025, the country's population is estimated to be approximately 102,028,000[3]. In terms of population size, it ranks 16th globally[2][3]. Historically, Vietnam had a two-child policy, though it was less rigid than China's one-child policy and mainly focused on population control. After years of nudging smaller family sizes, Vietnam has been grappling with a significant decrease in birth rates. The country's birth rate is now ranked 111th globally[2].
Recent policy changes include efforts to encourage larger family sizes due to concerns about an aging population and low fertility rates. In 2019, Vietnam's government approved a new population strategy that aims to increase the total fertility rate (TFR) from below replacement levels to about 2.1 children per woman by 2030[4]. While this move is not an outright abolition of a two-child policy, it is an attempt to encourage more births.
The shift in family planning policies is projected to impact population growth over the long term. However, the immediate effects may take time to become apparent, as demographic changes often unfold gradually. Vietnam's current population growth rate ranks 102nd globally[2]. The country's population is projected to reach 103,196,000 by 2030[3]. Despite these challenges, Vietnam's economic growth and advancements in healthcare have boosted living standards and increased life expectancy, significant factors in shaping population trends[4].
[1] ntv.de, AFP [2] UN World Population Prospects [3] World Bank Data [4] Government of Vietnam’s New Population Strategy, 2019
- The government of Vietnam is currently revising their community policy, aiming to address the plummeting birth rate, as a result, they are abandoning their two- child policy.
- Science and medical research may provide valuable insights to help Vietnam boost their birth rate, particularly in understanding and addressing chronic diseases and health issues that contribute to reduced fertility.
- As the government encourages larger family sizes to combat issues related to an aging population and labor shortages, employers may need to reconsider their employment policy to accommodate the needs of employed parents, focusing on health and wellness, family health, mental health, and parenting supports.
- With the rise of general news and policy- and- legislation debates surrounding issues like family planning, it is crucial for employers to also consider the implications of their employment policy in relation to CBD products and their potential effects on employee health and wellness.
- To encourage healthy lifestyles among their employees, companies can implement fitness and exercise programs, nutrition workshops, and support systems to promote a holistic approach toEmployee health, enhancing their overall employability and job satisfaction.
- Given the complexities of caring for families and ensuring individual and family health, employers might also wish to reevaluate their mental health support and resources available within their Employment policy.
- With economic growth and advancements in healthcare, community policies and employment policies should continually adapt to meet the evolving needs of society, considering factors like life expectancy and population demographics, in order to create a sustainable and thriving workforce for the future.
