Vietnam Ministry of Health encourages having two children before 35

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has issued new population communication guidelines encouraging married couples to have two children before the age of 35. The initiative aims to address low fertility rates, mitigate the impacts of an aging population, and manage the risks associated with gender imbalance at birth.

The guidelines emphasize that individuals and couples should make decisions regarding the timing and number of children based on their health, education, income, and ability to raise children. The Ministry also highlights the socio-economic benefits of avoiding late marriages and late childbearing, while warning against the risks of early marriage and frequent births, particularly in mountainous and ethnic minority areas.

To support these efforts, the State is working toward improving maternity, employment, and social security policies to reduce economic pressure on young families. Additionally, the guidelines call for increased education regarding legal regulations to prevent sex selection and ensure compliance with population laws.