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Vietnam finds itself at a crucial demographic crossroads, where drop in births represents a challenge for the future development of the country. With a fertility rate in constant decline, the authorities find themselves obliged to rethink their demographic strategy in order to revitalize the population structure. Faced with this worrying trend, a new approach is emerging, aiming to adopt innovative measures adapted to local realities to support families and encourage fertility. This dynamic aims not only to meet growing economic demands, but also to promote sustainable social balance within Vietnamese society.
Vietnam faces a major demographic challenge: the continued decline in the birth rate. While the country has seen many population gains, recent trends, including low fertility and gender imbalance, are raising growing concerns. This context encourages the authorities to adopt innovative measures to stimulate the birth rate and improve the quality of the population. The Ministry of Health, through concrete initiatives, aspires to revitalize the country’s demographic dynamics.
Legislative proposals to encourage births
Faced with the decline in births, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam has formulated a bill to extend maternity leave from six to seven months for women with a second child. This measure is accompanied by other initiatives aimed at supporting families, particularly those residing in areas with a low birth rate, such as easier access to social housing. Such actions aim not only to encourage the birth rate but also to create a favorable environment for the development of children.
Interventions targeted at regional disparities
Vietnamese demographics present significant regional disparities which aggravate the problem of declining births. Thus, in certain localities where birth rates reach alarming levels, local authorities are required to inform the National Assembly and put in place appropriate intervention measures. These measures must take into account the socio-economic specificities of each region in order to maximize their effectiveness.
Strengthening demographic regulations
To address the gender imbalance at birth, the proposed law also includes a strengthening of the ban on sex-selective abortion and harsher penalties for violations of population policies. Fines could be up to 100 million VND, or approximately USD 3,990. The objective is to ensure a more balanced ratio of births and to prevent abuses which could have consequences on society in the long term.
Improvement in the quality of the population
Beyond incentive measures, improving the quality of the population is a priority. This means better access to appropriate healthcare from the earliest stages of life. Among the initiatives proposed, we find premarital consultations, premarital health checks, as well as prenatal and neonatal screenings. These actions aim to ensure that each birth takes place in optimal conditions, which will help improve both the health of mothers and children.
The alarming figures of the decline in fertility
The Ministry of Health report reveals worrying demographic trends. The fertility rate, which stood at 2.11 children per woman in 2021, fell to 1.91 in 2024. This decline continues to worry, because it calls into question the demographic future of the country. Projections suggest that, without adequate measures, Vietnam could lose its “golden population period” by 2039, leading to significant economic and social consequences.
Gender imbalance: a growing problem
Gender imbalance at birth is also an issue of concern. With a ratio of 112.8 boys per 100 girls in 2015, this situation is alarming. If this trend continues, Vietnam could end up with 1.5 million more men than women aged 15 to 49 by 2039. Such an imbalance could lead to negative social repercussions, such as an increase in violence. sexist or the emergence of late and uncelebrated marriages.
For more information on Vietnam’s population strategies, see the following resources: Vietnam facing the demographic transition, Challenges and perspectives And Demographic strategy: expert opinions.
FAQ on the new demographic approach in Vietnam
What is the initiative proposed by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam? The ministry proposed a law to extend maternity leave from six to seven months for workers with a second child.
What additional measures are in place to support families? Measures include easier access to renting or purchasing social housing, particularly in industrial parks and areas where the birth rate is low.
What should a local authority do if it sees an alarming birth rate? It must inform the National Assembly and put in place appropriate intervention measures.
What sanctions are envisaged against selective abortion? The ministry plans to increase penalties for demographic violations, up to 100 million VND (about $3,990).
What are the health objectives in this reform? The objective is to improve the quality of the population through better health care, including premarital consultations and prenatal screenings.
What are the main demographic challenges facing Vietnam? The fertility rate is falling, and the imbalance between the sexes at birth is also a major issue.
What are the recent figures regarding the fertility rate in Vietnam? The rate dropped to 1.91 in 2024, and is projected to continue decreasing until 2039.
What are the possible consequences of a gender imbalance? This could lead to late marriages, increased risks of human trafficking, and an increase in gender-based violence.