In a significant move to address the declining birth rate, the People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City has approved Resolution No. 40, which introduces financial incentives for women who give birth to two children before the age of 35. This policy, approved during a meeting at the end of 2024, aims to encourage families to have more children and to support those who already have.
Under this resolution, women who meet the criteria will receive a one-time financial support of 3 million VND (approximately $130). Specifically, this applies to women whose second child is born between December 21, 2024, and April 15, 2025. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Population has initiated a campaign to compile a list of eligible beneficiaries, emphasizing the need for effective communication and outreach to ensure that those who qualify are aware of the support available.
Pham Chanh Trung, the Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Population Department, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it is part of a broader strategy to combat the city’s low birth rate, which was recorded at just 1.39 children per woman in 2024. This figure is significantly below the national replacement level of 2 to 2.1 children per woman. "This support is not merely a financial incentive but part of a comprehensive approach to enhance the city’s population dynamics," Trung explained.
As part of this effort, the city is also reaching out to women from near-poor households and social protection beneficiaries who give birth during the specified period. These women will receive additional support for prenatal and newborn screenings, totaling 2 million VND. This includes 600,000 VND for prenatal screening, 400,000 VND for newborn screening, and an additional 1 million VND in cash support.
Local authorities, including ward committees, are actively engaged in gathering data to ensure that eligible women are registered for these benefits. For instance, the People's Committee of Da Kao Ward in District 1 has issued a notice asking residents to provide necessary information to their neighborhood leaders to facilitate the registration process.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu, a 35-year-old resident of District 12, shared her thoughts on the initiative. Having given birth to her first child at 26 and her second at 31, she believes that such policies could motivate more families to have children. "The pressures of modern life often deter young couples from starting families, but this financial support could ease some of that burden," Tu remarked. She and her husband manage a household income of around 30 million VND, which they find challenging to stretch given their expenses for education, housing, and daily living.
Another resident, Phan Thi Diep, 43, who has three children, expressed her support for the initiative. "In the past, we didn’t think much about having kids; we just went for it. Today’s youth seem more hesitant, perhaps due to financial worries and societal pressures. This government support is a practical step toward encouraging families to grow," Diep noted.
While the financial incentives are a positive step, Trung emphasized that they are just one part of a larger strategy. He pointed out that many young couples face financial insecurity, which affects their decision to have children. "We need a holistic approach that includes better social security policies, educational support, and housing assistance to truly encourage families to have more children," he stated.
The city is also looking at other initiatives to bolster its population growth. In the same council meeting where Resolution No. 40 was approved, the council decided to continue tuition fee exemptions for nearly 500,000 junior high school students, which is another measure aimed at alleviating financial pressures on families.
Furthermore, the national government has announced plans to eliminate tuition fees for students from preschool to the end of public high school, effective from the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Such policies are seen as critical in creating a supportive environment for families.
Medical experts have long warned about the implications of delayed childbirth. According to health recommendations, a woman’s fertility peaks in her early twenties and declines significantly after 35. A study revealed that the risk of having a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, highlighting the health benefits of earlier childbirth.
As Ho Chi Minh City moves forward with these initiatives, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary to tackle the complex issue of declining birth rates. The government recognizes that financial incentives alone will not solve the problem; rather, a combination of support systems, including healthcare, education, and social services, will be essential in fostering a more family-friendly environment.
In conclusion, while the financial support for women giving birth to two children before the age of 35 is a commendable step, it must be part of a broader strategy that addresses the underlying challenges faced by young families in Ho Chi Minh City. Only through comprehensive policies can the city hope to reverse its declining birth rate and secure a stable demographic future.