In brief
Vietnam abolishes its two-child policy as officials encourage families to have more children.
Vietnam has officially ended its two-child policy in an effort to increase its declining birthrate, which hit an all-time low of 1.91 children per woman last year. The National Assembly made the change, which reflects a shift towards supporting larger families. Introduced in 1988, this policy had stricter enforcement for Communist Party members, risking penalties for having more than two kids. Now, all families in Vietnam can have as many children as they like, with government campaigns urging citizens to procreate. This move comes as Vietnam grapples with demographic challenges similar to those faced by neighboring countries. With an aging population on the horizon, there are fears about the economic implications of fewer workers supporting an older generation. The United Nations Population Fund warns that Vietnam will transition from an "aging" to an "aged" population in just two decades. To address the low birthrates, the government has initiated various strategies such as dating shows and promotional campaigns promoting family growth. In big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, which saw a fertility rate plummet to 1.39, authorities have also rolled out a baby bonus of approximately $120 for women who have two children before the age of 35.
