In a significant move to address declining birth rates, Ho Chi Minh City is implementing a new policy that rewards women under 35 who give birth to two children. This initiative, outlined in Resolution No. 40 from the People's Council, aims to bolster the city’s population growth and improve demographic balance.
Recent announcements from various wards and communes in Ho Chi Minh City indicate a systematic approach to support families contributing to the city's demographic goals. Specifically, women who have given birth to their second child between December 21, 2024, and April 15, 2025, are encouraged to register at their local ward to qualify for financial assistance.
In Ward 14 of Tan Binh District, officials have begun notifying residents about the new policy, which includes compiling a list of eligible women for this support. Mai Thi Bich Tho, head of the Population and Family Planning Department in Ward 14, confirmed that the registration process commenced on May 7, 2025, with the aim to submit the compiled list to the health department by May 10, 2025.
Pham Chanh Trung, the head of the Ho Chi Minh City Population Sub-Department, highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to statistically assess and reward those who excel in population management. He emphasized the importance of this policy, stating, "We are proactively identifying all eligible women to ensure they receive the support they deserve as we wait for guidelines on the administrative process." The policy will officially take effect on December 21, 2024.
Eligible women will receive a one-time allowance of 3 million VND (approximately 130 USD) for having two children before the age of 35. In addition, pregnant women and newborns from poor or near-poor households will receive 2 million VND for prenatal and newborn screening, which includes 600,000 VND for prenatal screening and 400,000 VND for newborn screening, along with 1 million VND in direct financial support.
The backdrop to this policy is concerning demographic trends in Ho Chi Minh City, where the birth rate has been on a steady decline. In 2024, the birth rate in the city was recorded at just 1.39 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2-2.1 children per woman that is necessary to maintain population stability. This trend poses serious implications, including an aging population, labor shortages, and potential social security challenges.
In response to these demographic challenges, the People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City has established a framework that not only supports individual families but also encourages communities to engage in population management. For instance, communes where at least 60% of couples of reproductive age have two children for three consecutive years will be recognized with a certificate of merit and receive a financial reward of 30 million VND. If this achievement is sustained for five years, the reward increases to 60 million VND.
Moreover, communes that successfully control gender imbalance at birth will receive additional support of 1 million VND. This comprehensive approach aims to incentivize local governments and communities to take an active role in population growth and gender balance.
As part of the implementation process, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is currently gathering input from relevant organizations to finalize guidelines for executing Resolution No. 40. This effort is crucial to ensure that the policy is executed effectively and reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Some provinces in Vietnam, such as Tien Giang, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Ben Tre, and Bac Lieu, have already adopted similar support measures, offering 1-1.5 million VND to women who meet the criteria. This trend reflects a growing recognition across the country of the need to address declining birth rates and promote family growth.
In a historical context, this initiative builds on past policies established by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, which previously incentivized communes that maintained low birth rates by rewarding them for not having women give birth to a third child. These earlier measures included financial rewards for sterilization procedures, demonstrating a shift in focus towards encouraging births rather than restricting them.
As the city continues to develop and urbanize, the implications of these demographic changes will be felt across various sectors, including the economy and social services. The proactive measures taken by the Ho Chi Minh City government reflect a commitment to ensuring a balanced and sustainable population growth that aligns with the city's future development goals.
Overall, the new policy represents a significant step forward in addressing the pressing issue of declining birth rates in Ho Chi Minh City. By providing financial incentives and fostering community involvement, the city aims to create a supportive environment for families, ultimately leading to a healthier demographic structure for future generations.
