Le Vietnam met fin à la limite de deux enfants par famille, après près de quarante ans
Vietnam has ended its two-child policy, a significant shift after almost four decades, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.This decision, driven by a falling fertility rate and concerns about its economic impact, aims to bolster the nation’s growth. The government, targeting high-income status by 2045, acknowledges the challenges of an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The shift is particularly evident in urban hubs like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. With the rising cost of living, the government is working to encourage families to have more children. This policy alteration underscores the importance of how Vietnam navigates its future. News Directory 3 keeps you informed of the latest developments. Discover what’s next for Vietnam’s population strategy.
Vietnam Ends Two-Child Policy Amid Fertility Decline
Updated June 4, 2025
alt=”A mother takes her daughter to kindergarten in Hanoi, June 4, 2025.” />
Vietnam has officially abandoned its two-child policy, which had been in effect since 1988, according to the
Vietnam News Agency. the decision comes as the country grapples with a steadily declining fertility rate. Now,
couples are free to decide how many children they wont.
With a population of approximately 100 million, Vietnam is concerned that the decreasing fertility rate, often
associated with wealthier nations, could negatively impact its economic growth. The government aims to achieve
high-income status by 2045.
The Ministry of Health reported that the fertility rate has remained below the replacement level of 2.1 for the
past three years, reaching “historically” low levels. The rate fell from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to
1.91 in 2024. This trend is particularly evident in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hubs, where
wages struggle to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong warned earlier this year that it will become increasingly
challenging to encourage couples to have more children, despite government incentives.she emphasized that the
decline in the average number of children per woman poses long-term challenges for economic growth, including
an aging population and a shrinking workforce. The shift in fertility rate trends is a key concern for
Vietnam’s future.
Preference for Boys
Nguyen Thi Lien Huong urged society to shift its focus from family planning alone to a broader outlook on
population and development. Addressing the fertility decline requires a comprehensive approach.
Vietnam also faces a gender imbalance due to a ancient preference for sons.The Ministry of Health recently
proposed tripling the fine for sex selection of fetuses to $3,800 in an effort to curb the practice, according
to state media. While the sex ratio at birth has improved, it remains skewed at 112 boys for every 100 girls.
This imbalance adds another layer of complexity to Vietnam’s population challenges.
China, Vietnam’s neighbor, implemented its own birth limitation policies in the late 1970s to control a
population boom. Since 2016, gradual relaxations have allowed couples to have up to three children. However,
the impact of thes changes has been slow to materialize.
Similar to many countries, the rising cost of living has suppressed birth rates in China, and these measures
have not reversed the country’s demographic decline, with its population decreasing for the third consecutive
year in 2024.
What’s next
Vietnam’s abandonment of the two-child policy marks a significant shift in its approach to population
management. The success of this policy change will depend on various factors, including the effectiveness of
government incentives, societal attitudes toward family size, and efforts to address gender imbalances. As
Vietnam strives to achieve its economic goals, managing its demographic challenges will be crucial.