Vietnam raises two-child policy: couples can now decide!

Vietnam raises two-child policy: couples can now decide!

Vietnam has initiated a significant reform in its population policy by the country has abolished the two-child policy that has existed since 1988 with immediate effect. This decision was made by the National Assembly and now enables the citizens to decide on the number of their children and the time and place of birth themselves. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan said that the cancellation with the risks of economic stability, social cohesion, national defense and sustainable development is justified. In recent years, the birth rate in the country has decreased continuously, which made the new politics appear necessary.

The birth rate fell from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to only 1.91 children for 2024, which is significantly below the required level for a stable population. In large cities such as Ho-Chi-Minh city, the birth rate is only 1.39 children per woman. The development is worrying, since according to taz.de the population of the country is increasingly aging, which could lead to a loss of economic dynamics in the long term.

Review of population policy

The two-child policy was first introduced in North Vietnam in 1963 and was never as strict as China's earlier one-child policy. Under certain conditions, she even allowed a third child, as with twins or disabled children. However, this political regulation, which was originally introduced as a measure to control the rapid population growth, has also led to social imbalances. Gender inequality is a growing problem; Currently 103.5 men come to 100 women in Vietnam.

The latest reform is viewed critically from various sides. Many women expect the changes to lead to an increase in the number of births only slightly, since the cost of raising children is high. The social pressions, in particular the growing competition for women, forced marriages and women's trade, also represent serious challenges in the middle of an economy that is constantly aging.

demographic challenges

The demographic situation in Vietnam is complex. The population has risen sharply since the end of the Vietnam War, from 46 million in 1975 to over 100 million in 2025. But since 2013 the country has had a declining trend in the birth number. The birth rate for 2023 is estimated at around 13.8 per 1000 inhabitants, which corresponds to around 1,379,000 births. Despite the ongoing urbanization, which is currently increasing at 2.5 % per year, urban living conditions and economic challenges contribute to the fact that many couples handle family planning differently and often receive fewer children than desired.

The demographic change in Vietnam is in line with global trends that can be observed in other Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan. South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world while Japan is fighting with an aging population. The comparison to China, where one-child policy was lifted nine years ago and the birth rate is 1.1 children per woman, illustrates the challenges with which many Asian countries are faced.

Overall, the abolition of two-child policy in Vietnam represents a significant step that shows that the government reacts to the urgent demographic and social challenges with which the country is confronted. It remains to be seen whether these measures will lead to a sustainable increase in the birth rate.