Leaders Hope Freedom to Choose Will Inspire Bigger Families
In a major shift in population control, Vietnam has removed its decades-long policy that limited families to only two children. The change was made public by the state-run Vietnam News Agency, which quoted officials saying the number of children a couple has is now a personal choice, no longer a rule set by the government.
This adjustment comes at a time when the country is seeing fewer babies being born each year. Experts have been warning that if the current trend continues, it may cause serious problems like fewer workers, more pressure on healthcare, and a shrinking economy.
Falling Numbers Raise Alarm Across the Nation
The Ministry of Health earlier raised concern over what it called a historic drop in fertility. In 2024, the average number of children per woman dropped to 1.91 — below the 2.1 mark needed to maintain a stable population without outside migration. Just three years ago in 2021, that number was 2.11.
This steady fall in birth rate has sparked fears that Vietnam’s aging population might strain the country’s future. As the population gets older and fewer young people enter the workforce, key systems such as pensions and health services could struggle to cope.
Cultural Shifts and Economic Pressures Remain
Even with the lifting of restrictions, young Vietnamese say they’re still hesitant about having many children. In cities, more young people now prioritize their careers and personal freedom. Many also feel that raising kids has simply become too expensive.
“I know society expects women to get married and have children, but the cost of raising even one child is too high,” said Tran Minh Huong, a 22-year-old office worker in Hanoi.
Vietnam’s situation mirrors that of neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea, where similar policies failed to reverse birth rate declines. Governments in those nations have introduced incentives, but many young adults still delay marriage or avoid it altogether.
Officials in Vietnam are now expected to roll out support measures to encourage couples to grow their families — possibly through financial help, better parental leave, or easier access to childcare. But whether such moves will work remains uncertain.
For now, Vietnam enters a new chapter in its population plan — one that gives families the freedom to choose, but still faces a long road ahead in encouraging them to do so.
