Vietnam Ministry of Health proposes birth incentives

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has proposed new policies to encourage childbirth and address the declining fertility rate, which currently stands at 1.91 children per woman—below the replacement level of 2.1.

The draft circular suggests that local authorities may provide various forms of support, including financial aid or in-kind benefits for pregnant women, infertility screening costs, and support for children up to 12 months of age. Vulnerable groups, such as those in poor or mountainous areas and ethnic minority communities, may receive expanded assistance, including prenatal screening and travel subsidies.

To combat gender imbalance at birth and reduce gender prejudice, the proposal includes rewards for families with at least two daughters under the age of 16 who meet specific criteria for child health and education. Le Thanh Dung, Director of the Department of Population, clarified that the policy does not aim to encourage families to choose girls over boys, but rather to elevate the status of girls and move the sex ratio toward a natural balance.