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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Vietnam Ends Two-Child Policy to Tackle Falling Birth Rates
Vietnam has abolished its long-standing two-child policy to tackle concerns about declining birth and fertility rates. The National Assembly Standing Committee approved a new regulation lifting the restriction, permitting couples to freely choose the timing, number, and spacing of their children on Tuesday, state media reports. The fertility rate in Vietnam, Southeast Asia's third-most-populous nation, has fallen to 1.91 births per woman in 2024, according to the Vietnam General Statistics Office. This is well below the replacement threshold of 2.1 needed to maintain the population size. Vietnam introduced its two-child policy in 1988 to curb rapid population growth, when the average woman had more than four children. The law restricted most families to one or two children, with exceptions in special cases. Enforcement was stricter for Communist Party members, who faced penalties including warnings, reduced bonuses, or dismissal from positions for violations. Vietnam's decision to scrap its two-child policy followed a steady decrease in birth rates since 2022, when the fertility rate dropped to 2.01 and declined again to 1.93 in 2023. Health officials have expressed concern that the nation's population of nearly 100 million may begin to contract by mid-century. Authorities have also cited gender imbalances and the ongoing shift toward a "super-aged society," with projections that over 20 percent of Vietnamese will be age 65 or older by 2049. Under the new regulation, all families-regardless of Party membership-can now choose freely how many children to have and when. Vietnam's policy shift aligns with recent moves in other Asian countries also experiencing plunging fertility rates and rapid aging. China saw a slight uptick in its birth rate in 2024, attributed mainly to cultural factors such as the Year of the Dragon, despite wide-ranging pro-natal measures and the end of restrictive family policies. Meanwhile, the country's overall population has continued to shrink for the third consecutive year. Japan, facing a decades-long population decline and with nearly 30 percent of its population over age 65, is preparing to make childbirth free as early as April 2026. The Japanese government proposes that public health insurance cover all delivery costs nationwide, attempting to alleviate financial burdens on families. The United Nations Population Fund says: "Vietnam is in the period of population aging. The process of population aging is progressing rapidly, caused by mortality and fertility declines, and life expectancy at birth increase and that transition from an 'aging' to an 'aged' population will occur within just 20 years." The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is expected to submit a new population law to the National Assembly in 2025, aimed at sustaining fertility rates near replacement level while monitoring the ongoing demographic transition and the effects of the relaxed family planning rules. Related Articles Trump Business Booms Abroad Amid Ethics QuestionsUS Warship Challenged Beijing's South China Sea Claims, Navy SaysFull List of Trump's Foreign Real Estate Ventures Underway Around the WorldVideo Shows Moment Emmanuel Macron Pushed in Face by Wife 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Vietnam Ends Two-Child Policy to Tackle Falling Birth Rates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Vietnam has abolished its long-standing two-child policy to tackle concerns about declining birth and fertility rates. The National Assembly Standing Committee approved a new regulation lifting the restriction, permitting couples to freely choose the timing, number, and spacing of their children on Tuesday, state media reports. Why It Matters The fertility rate in Vietnam, Southeast Asia's third-most-populous nation, has fallen to 1.91 births per woman in 2024, according to the Vietnam General Statistics Office. This is well below the replacement threshold of 2.1 needed to maintain the population size. Vietnam's Two-Child Policy: Origins and Purpose Vietnam introduced its two-child policy in 1988 to curb rapid population growth, when the average woman had more than four children. The law restricted most families to one or two children, with exceptions in special cases. Enforcement was stricter for Communist Party members, who faced penalties including warnings, reduced bonuses, or dismissal from positions for violations. What To Know Vietnam's decision to scrap its two-child policy followed a steady decrease in birth rates since 2022, when the fertility rate dropped to 2.01 and declined again to 1.93 in 2023. Health officials have expressed concern that the nation's population of nearly 100 million may begin to contract by mid-century. Authorities have also cited gender imbalances and the ongoing shift toward a "super-aged society," with projections that over 20 percent of Vietnamese will be age 65 or older by 2049. Under the new regulation, all families—regardless of Party membership—can now choose freely how many children to have and when. Vietnam's policy shift aligns with recent moves in other Asian countries also experiencing plunging fertility rates and rapid aging. A billboard campaigning for each family to have two children in an effort to improve the birth rate stands along the street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Jan. 14, 2024. A billboard campaigning for each family to have two children in an effort to improve the birth rate stands along the street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Jan. 14, 2024. AP China saw a slight uptick in its birth rate in 2024, attributed mainly to cultural factors such as the Year of the Dragon, despite wide-ranging pro-natal measures and the end of restrictive family policies. Meanwhile, the country's overall population has continued to shrink for the third consecutive year. Japan, facing a decades-long population decline and with nearly 30 percent of its population over age 65, is preparing to make childbirth free as early as April 2026. The Japanese government proposes that public health insurance cover all delivery costs nationwide, attempting to alleviate financial burdens on families. What People Are Saying The United Nations Population Fund says: "Vietnam is in the period of population aging. The process of population aging is progressing rapidly, caused by mortality and fertility declines, and life expectancy at birth increase and that transition from an 'aging' to an 'aged' population will occur within just 20 years." What Happens Next The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is expected to submit a new population law to the National Assembly in 2025, aimed at sustaining fertility rates near replacement level while monitoring the ongoing demographic transition and the effects of the relaxed family planning rules.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Vietnam ends two-child limit as birth rate plummets
Listen to article Vietnam has officially ended a decades-old policy restricting families to no more than two children, state media said on Wednesday, as the country struggles with a rapidly declining birth rate and an ageing population. The regulation, first introduced in 1988, will no longer apply, with family size now left to the discretion of couples, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The change was approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi on Tuesday. The shift follows alarming demographic trends. In December, the country's total fertility rate dropped to a record low of 1.91 children per woman. That marks the third consecutive year the rate has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1. Vietnam's fertility rate stood at 2.11 in 2021 before slipping to 2.01 in 2022 and 1.96 in 2023, the Ministry of Health reported. Falling birth rates are particularly stark in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where urbanisation and rising living costs have made parenting less financially feasible. 'Even though I am Asian, with social norms that say women need to get married and have kids, it's too costly to raise a child,' said 22-year-old office worker Tran Minh Huong. She said the policy change made no difference to her plans. Under the previous rules, most families were limited to one or two children, with exceptions granted in special cases. While enforcement was inconsistent, Communist Party members who violated the policy risked penalties, including demotions or dismissal. Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong recently warned that despite policy shifts and public awareness campaigns, it remains difficult to persuade families to have more children. She cited concerns about long-term socio-economic development, including labour shortages and population ageing. Vietnam is also grappling with a persistent gender imbalance. The health ministry on Tuesday proposed tripling the fine for foetal sex selection to US$3,800 to deter the practice. Although the gender ratio has improved, it remains skewed at 112 boys for every 100 girls. Hoang Thi Oanh, 45, who has three children, said she received reduced benefits for her youngest due to the old policy. 'It's good that at last the authorities removed this ban,' she said, but added that the cost of raising children remains a major barrier. Experts say that without significant support measures such as financial incentives, Vietnam may follow the same path as China. Beijing ended its one-child policy in 2016 and began allowing three-child families in 2021, yet birth rates have continued to fall amid economic pressures. The United Nations Population Fund warned that Vietnam is 'in the period of population ageing' and predicted it will become an 'aged society' within two decades.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Vietnam ends two-child policy as birth rate hits record low
The previous law allowed only one or two children per family, except in special cases. PHOTO: AFP HANOI – Vietnam abolished a longstanding policy limiting families to having no more than two children as the nation grapples with a declining birth rate – posing a demographic crunch that could undermine future growth prospects. Under the new regulation approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi on June 3, couples will now have the right to decide when to have children, how many to have, and the spacing between births, the official Vietnam News Agency reported. The previous law allowed only one or two children per family, except in special cases. In practice, it was rarely enforced for non-members of the Communist Party of Vietnam. For party members who broke the law, the penalty could be a warning, reduced bonus, or dismissal from their position. The restriction was introduced in 1988, when the total fertility rate was over four births per woman. The nation's birth rate sank to a record low last December, with the total fertility rate falling to 1.91 children per woman, marking the third consecutive year it has dropped below the replacement level. In 2024, the Health Ministry proposed amending the law to allow each couple and single parent to decide how many children to have and the interval between births. 'Vietnam is in the period of population ageing,' according to the UN Population Fund. It said the process is 'progressing rapidly', and that the transition from an 'ageing' to an 'aged' population will occur within just 20 years. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Dar underscores sanctity of Indus Waters Treaty
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has underscored the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty, stressing that it remains inviolable and cannot be unilaterally changed or held in abeyance. Reaffirming Pakistan's unwavering commitment to peace and its resolute stance against terrorism in all its forms, he emphasised that Pakistan's response was a legitimate exercise of its inherent right to self-defence in response to India's aggression. Dar was briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs convened Wednesday, with Hina Rabbani Khar in chair. He condemned India's actions as a blatant violation of international law, bilateral agreements, and multilateral norms fuelled by unfounded allegations and provocative rhetoric. The Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, also briefed the Committee on India's recent acts of aggression, Pakistan's resolute and measured response, and the diplomatic dimensions of the crisis. The meeting was also attended by Committee members Danyal Chaudhary, Nuzhat Sadiq, Syed Mustafa Mehmood, Dr Muhammad Farooq Sattar, DrAmjad Ali Khan, and Muhammad Atif. The foreign minister provided a detailed account of developments following the Pehalgam attack on April 22, 2025. The chairperson and committee members commended the people of Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan, the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all relevant stakeholders for their effective handling of the crisis. Khar emphasised that reckless violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter can destabilise the region. She emphasised that India's aggression has brought the international community's attention to South Asia as a nuclear flash point and at the unresolved dispute of Jammu and Kashmir to be the root cause of hostilities between two nuclear armed neighbours. As a responsible nation Pakistan always called for dialogue and negotiations to eradicate risk of further escalation. The Committee also denounced India's unlawful attempts to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling for India to be held accountable in all relevant international and multilateral forums for its unilateral violations of established agreements. The Committee urged proactive measures to safeguard Pakistan's rightful share of water resources under existing legal frameworks. The meeting ended with a commitment to uphold Pakistan's sovereignty, dignity, and principled position on the global stage. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
