Vietnam Abolishes Two-Child Policy Amid Birthrate Crisis

Vietnam has officially abolished its two-child policy, a measure in place since 1988 and most strictly enforced on Communist Party officials, amid record-low birth rates and concerns over future economic and social stability. The National Assembly's recent amendments grant families full autonomy over family size. In 2024, the national fertility rate dropped to 1.91 children per woman, with urban centers such as Ho Chi Minh City experiencing even lower rates. High living costs, work stress, and changing social attitudes have been cited as major contributors to the decline, especially in cities. The government is also proposing tougher penalties to address persistent gender imbalances stemming from a cultural preference for sons. Officials warn that if current trends persist, Vietnam's working-age population will peak within two decades, accelerating aging and threatening economic growth.