On 10/12, the National Assembly passed the Population Law, which will take effect from 1/7/2026. The new law introduces several key provisions, including maintaining replacement fertility rates, reducing birth sex imbalance, adapting to population aging, and improving population quality.

Couples can decide the timing and number of children

Moving away from the previous regulation that encouraged one to two children per couple, the new law grants autonomy over the timing, number, and spacing of births. This decision is based on each family's health conditions, income, and specific circumstances. This measure is an urgent solution designed to boost the historically low birth rate of 1,91 children per woman and address birth rate disparities across regions.

Baby born at National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Photo: Giang Huy

Increased maternity leave

When the law takes effect, women giving birth to their second child will receive 7 months of maternity leave, an increase of one month from current provisions. Husbands will also receive 10 days of leave to help care for the family. The Population Department states that this increase is equivalent to the regional average and was carefully calculated based on national resources to ensure the best possible health for both mother and baby.

Families with two children prioritized for social housing

The State will provide financial support to women who give birth to two children before the age of 35, as well as to individuals in low-birth-rate areas or regions with very small ethnic minority populations. Specifically, families with two children will receive priority to buy or rent social housing. This practical policy helps couples settle down early, reduces economic burdens, and allows them to focus on raising their children.

Doctors revealing fetal sex face suspension of practice

The law strictly prohibits fetal sex selection in all forms. To reduce birth sex imbalance, individuals who announce or reveal fetal sex for the purpose of abortion will have their medical practice suspended. Annually, statistical agencies will publish relevant data to enable authorities at all levels to develop appropriate intervention measures.

Responding to population aging

The law focuses on developing human resources for elderly care through policies offering tuition fee exemptions and scholarships for gerontology students, especially in disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the State will implement special incentive mechanisms to attract healthcare professionals to this field.

Le Nga