The Department of Health has suggested setting aside VND650 billion (US$25.5 million) to assist women who have two children before reaching the age of 35.
This plan to address the low birth rate is included in the draft Population Law designed to tackle Vietnam's increasing demographic issues, such as a historic drop in fertility and an escalating gender imbalance at birth.
In 2024, the country's birth rate fell to 1.91 children per woman, marking the lowest level ever recorded, with projections indicating it will keep decreasing.
If the current trend continues, Vietnam is projected to lose its "golden" population phase by 2039, achieve the highest number of working-age individuals by 2042, and experience a population decrease after 2054.
Birth rates differ based on educational and economic status, with increased fertility observed among women from lower-income and less educated backgrounds.
The sex ratio at birth continues to be dangerously imbalanced, with 111.4 boys born for every 100 girls during the previous year.
If no significant action is taken, Vietnam may encounter an excess of 1.5 million men of marriageable age by 2034, increasing to 2.5 million by 2059.
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| Two newly born infants at Tu Du Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Ngoc Ngan |
The ministry cautioned: "This disparity in gender is expected to result in lasting effects. Some men could face difficulties in finding partners, which might lead to problems like human trafficking, prostitution, gender-related violence, and cross-border criminal activities."
To tackle the issues, the ministry has introduced a series of actions expected to cost approximately VND5.365 trillion (US$210 million).
The key proposals include:
- An extra month of leave in addition to the standard maternity leave, which is currently six months
- Five additional days of leave for fathers when their wives give birth. At present, fathers are permitted to take between five and 14 days off, depending on the condition of the newborn and the mother.
- Financial or non-monetary assistance provided to women who have given birth, particularly those with two children or who have them before the age of 35
- Subsidies for meals for young children in kindergarten
- Prenatal visits at no cost or with a discount - Affordable or complimentary antenatal care - Low-cost or free maternity health check-ups - Access to inexpensive prenatal medical appointments - Subsidized or free prenatal consultations
Out of this, VND650 billion is suggested to assist women who have two children before reaching the age of 35.
Approximately VND1.312 trillion is needed to support extended maternity leave for second children.
Prenatal check-up subsidies are expected to cost approximately VND24.3 billion.
The ministry also intends to allocate VND151.8 billion in financial assistance for households with two daughters to tackle the gender disparity.
Additional efforts involve financial support for marriage preparation programs and prenatal and infant screening, with expenses potentially reaching trillions of dong.
As per the ministry, this assistance will provide women with additional time to look after their children, inspire men to take part in family duties, lessen economic pressures during pregnancy and delivery, and encourage having children.
Declining birth rates are not exclusive to Vietnam, as nations such as China, South Korea, and Japan are also facing comparable challenges and have implemented different pro-natalist measures, although no significant results have been achieved yet, as stated by Mai Xuan Phuong, former deputy head of the communication and education department at the Ministry of Health's General Office for Population.
He highlighted two essential elements for boosting birth rates and maintaining a stable population: tangible support policies and changing social attitudes.
Regarding policy, there should be financial aid and support for families with children, including maternity benefits, particularly for second children, tax cuts, housing assistance, and advantageous mortgage options for families with young kids.
Equally significant is altering public perceptions to diminish anxieties about having kids, he mentioned.
He stated that society needs to change its view of parenting, moving towards a shared responsibility between both parents instead of leaving the entire load on women.
It is essential for young individuals to be taught about the importance of family and having children, so they recognize that "bringing up kids is a commitment, obligation, and entitlement."
This involves incorporating sex education and parenting techniques in high school to assist young people in building the mental approach and readiness required for marriage and child-rearing.