Decline in birth rate in Vietnam: Authorities eliminate two-child restriction policy

Dropping the Two-Child Limit: Vietnam Embraces a New Era of Family Planning

Vietnam's birth rate decreases: Government annuls two-child limit policy

The Vietnamese Communist government has tossed out its long-standing two-child policy, with the intention of bumping up the nation's sagging birth rate, as per state media reports. Established in 1988, the two-child policy dictated that families could only have two offspring. As of now, the decision about family size will be left to each individual couple, as announced by the national news agency.

Over the past three years, Vietnam's birth rate has nosedived. In 2023, it reached an all-time low of 1.96 children per woman, dipping below the critical threshold essential for maintaining the population. In 2021, it was 2.11 children per woman, taking a dive to 2.01 children per woman in 2022. This alarming trend is most evident in economically developed areas, particularly big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where living expenses are skyrocketing.

At a conference earlier this year, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong acknowledged that despite political adjustments and public campaigns, it's increasingly tough to persuade families to have more children. The plummeting birth rates pose a threat to long-term socio-economic development given the aging population, labor shortages, and difficulties in filling key positions.

Vietnam is also grappling with gender imbalance due to a societal preference for boys. Therefore, it's illegal to inform parents of their unborn child's sex before birth or to perform sex-selective abortions. Clinics flouting this law are slapped with hefty fines. On Tuesday, the health ministry proposed tripling the current penalty to $3,800 (€3,340).

Insights:

The goal of scrapping the two-child policy is to bolster population growth. Since the policy’s implementation in 1988, the Vietnamese government has encouraged each family to have only two children.
The recent relaxation of family-planning policies is part of a broader effort to cope with demographic shifts, including an aging population, regional imbalances, and a history of gender imbalance due to gender selection.
The Vietnamese government is now preparing its first Population Law, expected to address family support and associated socio-economic issues while modernizing its approach to the country’s demographic challenges.

Employment policies may need to be revised to accommodate larger family sizes due to the removal of the two-child limit in Vietnam.
The science of demography will play a significant role in predicting and understanding the impact of the new family planning policies in Vietnam.
Chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and COPD, are prevalent in Vietnam and may be exacerbated by an aging population.
Type 2 diabetes, a common chronic disease, is often managed through diet and exercise, making fitness and exercise a crucial part of both employment and health-and-wellness policies.
If Vietnam struggles to fill key positions due to labor shortages, the manufacturing industry may need to invest in automation or other solutions.
Mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellness and must be addressed in employment policies to promote a healthy workforce.
Men's health, including cardiovascular health, is a critical issue that requires attention in the revised employment policies.
Therapies and treatments for various medical conditions, such as breast cancer and multiple sclerosis, are a significant cost for both employees and employers.
Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, making it an important consideration in workplaces and family planning discussions.
Aging is a natural part of life and demands attention in terms of both employment policies and family planning, as the aging population may require more support in the future.
Women's health, particularly reproductive health, is essential when discussing family planning policies. Preventing gender imbalance due to gender selection is key in this regard.
Parenting support, including family leave policies and childcare options, should be part of employment policies to help families maintain a work-life balance.
Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders pose significant challenges for aging populations, highlighting the importance of research and appropriate care.
Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, are complex conditions that require understanding and support in the workplace.
Improved environmental science is crucial for addressing climate change and its impact on human health, including chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.
The finance sector, including banking and insurance, may see increased demand for products that support families with multiple children, such as life insurance policies.
Energy-focused industries, like renewable energy and oil and gas, may experience changes in the workforce due to demographic shifts.
Aerospace, retail, public transit, transportation, automotive, aviation, and business industries will also be impacted by changes in population dynamics.
Financial technology (Fintech) may offer innovative solutions to manage the financial implications of the changing family planning policies in Vietnam.
Medical conditions, such as migraines and cardiovascular health issues, can impact employees' productivity and should be considered in employment policies.
Skin conditions, including those related to environmental factors like air pollution, may become more prevalent in densely populated urban areas as the birth rate increases.
Space and astronomy could be areas of future growth for the Vietnamese economy, as the government invests in science and technology to address demographic challenges.
Industry must adapt to these demographic shifts, seeking ways to hire and retain a diverse workforce and cater to the needs of families with multiple children.
At the same time, the government should consider implementing policies that support families, such as affordable childcare, to encourage population growth.
Educational institutions and organizations should also play a role in promoting family planning policies that consider the welfare of both children and parents.
Ultimately, the success of the new family planning policies in Vietnam will depend on a comprehensive approach that considers both employment policies and long-term socio-economic development.