Vietnam plans to change two-child policy as birth rate falls
Vietnam is thinking about changing its two-child policy because fewer babies are being born.
The government is worried that this could cause problems in the future, including a smaller workforce and an ageing population.
The country’s birth rate has dropped to its lowest level in history. In 2023, it was 1.96 children per woman, and by 2024, it had fallen to 1.91.
This means that, on average, each woman in Vietnam has fewer than two children. Experts say this is below the level needed to keep the population stable.
Some areas have lower birth rates than others. In cities, women are having even fewer children. Ho Chi Minh City has the lowest rate in the country at 1.39 children per woman. In contrast, northern Ha Giang province has the highest at 2.69.
People are delaying marriage and having children later. Many focus on work and career growth, and the high cost of raising children makes some couples hesitate to start a family.
According to Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Vietnam’s deputy health minister, the government must act fast.
"We need to encourage larger families by reducing penalties for having more than two children and offering financial support," she said.
Experts warn that if birth rates keep falling, Vietnam’s "golden population period" will end by 2039, and the country may have negative population growth by 2054. This could lead to fewer young workers and more elderly people needing care.
Vietnam is looking at possible solutions. The government is discussing ways to make family life easier, such as better parental leave and lower child-rearing costs.
Other countries with similar problems, such as South Korea and Japan, have tried different methods, including cash incentives and tax cuts.
A population expert, Le Thi Thu, said Vietnam must act now. "If we wait too long, it will be hard to reverse this trend. We should make raising children more affordable and create policies that support working parents," she explained.
Despite the concerns, some people still believe the two-child policy should remain.
"It helps control overpopulation and ensures enough resources for everyone," said Tran Van Minh, a public health researcher.
The Vietnamese government is still deciding on its next steps. For now, the country is searching for the best way to balance its population needs while ensuring families feel supported.
Source: Global South World
