On January 14, 2024, Vietnam abolished its long-standing two-child policy, allowing families to decide how many children to have. This change was enacted amid concerns over declining birth rates and an aging workforce; the national birth rate had fallen to 1.91 children per woman in 2024. Previously, the two-child policy, in place since 2009, was strictly enforced for government officials and members of the Communist Party, though it was more lenient for the general public.
Population experts warn that if the trend continues, Vietnam’s advantageous demographic phase, characterized by a large working-age population, may end within 15 years. Many citizens express uncertainty about the new law, with concerns about the financial implications of raising additional children. It typically costs between 10-20 million Vietnamese dong ($380-$760) monthly to raise a child to age 22.
Vietnam’s Health Minister noted that several countries, including China, have discarded similar restrictions, aligning with global practices. Alongside this policy shift, lawmakers are also addressing issues like prenatal gender imbalances, proposing fines for sex-selective practices to be significantly increased.
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