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IN BRIEF
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After decades of restrictive policies, the Vietnam makes a turning point natalist A new law now encourages births, notably by expanding the maternity leave for the second child and planning a allocation a one-time fee of approximately $228, as well as coverage for prenatal screenings and neonates subject to age and place of residence criteria. This change, welcomed by the UNFPA such as an approach centered on the demographic development, addresses concerns related to aging fast: one fertility rate fallen to 1.93 children per woman in 2025, a life expectancy around 75 years old and a growing proportion of those over 60. Economists are warning of the risks oflabor shortage and weakening of the social protection systemwhile many couples feel that the aid remains insufficient in the face of high housing and childcare costs.
Vietnam has undergone a major shift, abandoning a strict policy of birth control in favor of a more proactive pronatalist approach. New legislation, recently enacted, expands certain parental rights, introduces one-off subsidies, and funds prenatal and newborn screenings to curb the declining birth rate and mitigate the effects of the pandemic. demographic agingThis change reflects the shift from a policy of birth control to a strategy centered on the demographic development and social protection.
Key measures of the new framework
Among the key measures, maternity leave for mothers of a second child is extended from six to seven months, thus providing more time for postnatal care and a gradual return to work. The law also provides for one-time allowance paid to mothers meeting certain criteria, in the amount of approximately $228which represents a significant but limited share of the average local monthly wage.
In addition to this direct aid, the text introduces financial support for the prenatal and neonatal screeningsThese measures are designed to improve maternal and child health. Eligibility for the grant takes into account age and place of residence, aiming to direct aid towards priority groups.
Historical recap: from the two-child policy to the reversal
The official promotion of the small family dates back to the 1960s, before a two-child limit was institutionalized in the late 1980s. This policy, less coercive than some measures taken elsewhere in Asia, nevertheless shaped family behavior for decades. Until recently, party members could face sanctions for the birth of a third child, and social pressure to limit families to two children was very strong.
For a concise report and historical background, see the articles published by The Dauphiné, International Mail And News.
The demographic diagnosis: declining fertility and an aging population
Vietnam’s fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level, with approximately 1.93 children per woman in 2025. While this level remains higher than in neighboring countries like Japan or South Korea, it is cause for concern because it comes at a time when life expectancy is increasing — around 75 years old — and that the proportion of those over 60 exceeds 10% of the population.
Authorities and international institutions point to a dual risk: a slowdown in economic growth linked to labor shortages and increased pressure on social protection systems. The World Bank has already warned that Vietnam has less time that some advanced economies to adapt to an aging society, given a GDP per capita still modest, around $5,000.
Families’ reactions: helpful but insufficient aid
On the ground, many couples welcome the measures, particularly the extension of maternity leave, which makes it easier to reconcile family life and work. Nguyen Kim Bich, a mother, explains that an extra month of leave could facilitate the arrival of a second child, and that sharing leave between partners is an advantage for shared parenting.
However, the prevailing feeling remains that these financial incentives are insufficient Faced with the true costs: housing, childcare, healthcare, and other everyday expenses, a typical couple with a modest combined income can already dedicate a large portion of their resources to their first child, making the idea of a second child unrealistic despite the additional bonus and leave.
Government surveys also indicate that the vast majority of married people consider their income as determining factors in the choice to have children. Young employees, like a 24-year-old cashier interviewed, mention such financial and mental pressure that they simply renounce parenthood.
Economic and social issues: what the experts are asking for
Economists insist on the need for a measurement pack A more comprehensive approach is needed: affordable housing policies, accessible childcare services, tax breaks, and strengthened social protections for families. Without these measures, one-off bonuses and extended leave risk remaining merely symbolic.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) welcomes the change in approach, noting the shift from a control-oriented to a development-oriented approach. However, its officials emphasize that the success of the reform will depend on coordinated long-term public policies and genuine financial support for households.
Challenges ahead and prospects
Vietnam is now seeking to reverse a trend that has taken hold over decades, while preserving progress in health and education. The success of this pronatalist transition will depend on the scope, targeting, and sustainability of the complementary measures.
For a broader overview and further analysis, consult press articles and reports dedicated to this demographic shift, particularly on Interview, Southeast Asia And News.
FAQ — Vietnam: A new wave of pronatalism after decades of restrictive policies
Q. What are the main measures introduced by the new pro-natalist law?
A. The law increases the maternity leave for the mother of a second child of six to seven months, establishes a one-time allowance for some beneficiaries (up to $228 in the cases mentioned) and subsidizes prenatal and neonatal screenings.
Q. Who is eligible for the increase in maternity leave and allowance?
A. The measures primarily target mothers of second child The one-time allowance is intended for women who meet specific criteria related to…age, At place of residence and other conditions defined by the implementing decrees.
Q. Why is Vietnam changing its policy after decades of birth control?
A. The authorities want to respond to the rapid aging of the population and to birth rate declining, which could lead to labor shortages and weaken the social protection system if the trend continues.
Q. How does the new strategy differ from the old policy?
A. The country is shifting from a policy centered on the family planning control (with limits on the number of children and sanctions for party members) to an approach focused on the demographic development and support for families.
Q. What is the current demographic situation in Vietnam?
A. THE fertility rate fell below the renewal threshold, around 1.93 children per woman in 2025; thelife expectancy reaches approximately 75 years old and those over 60 years old represent more than 10% of the population.
Q. What economic risks have experts identified?
A. Economists are raising concerns about the risk of labor shortage, increased pressure on pension and health funds, and the fact that Vietnam may have to adapt to an aging society as its GDP per capita remains modest compared to other countries that have undergone the same transition.
Q. Do families think the new measures are enough to boost the birth rate?
A. Many families question the aid insufficient faced with the high costs of accommodation and the child careSurveys show that 73% of married people believe that their salary level influence their decision to have children.
Q. What criticisms are being made of these measures?
A. Development actors believe that broader support is needed: subsidized childcareAffordable housing policies, strengthened social protections and more flexible working arrangements to truly encourage the decision to have children.
Q. Has the implementation of the law already begun?
A. Yes, the new law and several implementing decrees have recently come into force, officially modifying leave rights and support schemes related to the birth of a second child.
Q. What do young people or low-income workers think about it?
A. Some, particularly young, low-wage workers, say they are choosing not to have children because of the financial pressure and of mental burdenFor them, a few extra weeks of vacation or a one-off bonus does not compensate for the ongoing costs associated with education and daily life.