Vietnam Lifts Two-Child Policy to Address Declining Birth Rates

Vietnam has abolished its two-child policy due to declining birth rates. The policy, in place since 1988, limited families to two children. The Vietnamese government announced that couples are now free to decide the number of children they wish to have.

The fertility rate has dropped below 2.1 children per woman over the past three years, reaching a historic low of 1.91 in 2024. Rising living costs and stagnant wages, particularly in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have contributed to this decline.

The government fears long-term economic challenges due to an aging population and shrinking workforce. The policy was previously enforced through fines, reduced benefits, and social pressure.

The abolition also aims to balance gender ratios, as parents often preferred sons, leading to higher abortion rates for female fetuses.