Brian Jeffrey
Recently, the Health Ministry refuted claims that individuals who are single would face penalties. The Ministry stated that these rumors are unfounded and causing unnecessary alarm.
The Ministry clarified that an official document from August 13 focused on boosting urban birth rates in response to feedback from Ho Chi Minh City residents, rather than penalizing single individuals.
Decision 588/QĐ-TTg, implemented on April 28, 2020, aims to maintain a stable replacement-level fertility rate to ensure a sustainable working-age population and balanced demographic structure.
The policy targets regions with low birth rates, encouraging families to have at least two children and enhancing support measures for childbirth.
Contrary to the misinformation, the government’s policy aims to improve support measures for childbirth, including removing regulations discouraging more than two children.
Local authorities are encouraged to implement support measures for families desiring two children, such as housing benefits and education access.
Vietnam achieved a replacement-level fertility rate in 2006 but has experienced a decline in birth rates, especially in urban areas.
Health Minister Dao Hong Lan noted the declining birth rate trend in economically vital Southern regions and swiftly urbanizing cities during her response to Ho Chi Minh City constituents.
In 2023, Ho Chi Minh City had the country’s lowest total fertility rate at 1.32 children per woman, underscoring the challenges of low birth rates on labor shortages and social security.
