Vietnam Abolishes Two-Child Policy to Combat Declining Birth Rates

In a significant policy shift, Vietnam has abolished its two-child limit to address declining birth rates and ease pressures from an aging population, state media reported recently. The decision marks a pivotal move as Vietnam grapples with demographic challenges similar to other Asian nations.

The birth rate in Vietnam has been steadily decreasing, with figures dropping from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 1.91 in 2024. This decline poses potential economic concerns as the country's workforce is expected to peak by 2042, followed by a shrinking population, which could strain economic growth.

While efforts are made to reverse this trend, Vietnam also tackles an unbalanced gender ratio due to a traditional preference for sons. New measures, including increased penalties for gender selection, aim to address these demographic challenges alongside the policy change.

(With inputs from agencies.)