Vietnam is abolishing the limit of a maximum of two children per family due to the country’s declining birth rate. The law had been in effect since 1988.
Now, families can have as many children as they want. Officials are even actively encouraging couples to have children. They are concerned about the country’s declining birth rate, according to news agency VNA.
In Vietnam, that figure has fallen from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023, and 1.91 in 2024. That is the lowest level in the country’s history. That decline could continue in the coming years.
The birth rate has fallen sharply, especially in large cities such as Ho Chi Minh City. In 2024, it fell to 1.39 children per woman, well below the national average of 1.91. This is because the cost of living has risen there, but wages have lagged behind.
Vietnam fears a downward spiral, just like other Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. If fewer children are born now, it means there will be fewer workers later to support the economy and the large number of elderly people.
Dating shows and posters to boost the birth rate
To combat the declining birth rate, Vietnam has rolled out dating shows and propaganda posters that should encourage young people to have more children. In Ho Chi Minh City, authorities have introduced a baby bonus of the equivalent of 105 euros for women who have two children before they are 35 years old. That’s according to The New York Times.
Although officially you were not allowed to have more than two children, the figures from a few years ago show that this did happen. The policy was enforced in various ways. For example, people could receive fines, lower bonuses, and sometimes even be fired.