On the morning of 10/12, the National Assembly approved the Population Law, which will take effect from 1/7/2026. To maintain the replacement birth rate, the law stipulates several support policies for families. For a second child, female workers will receive seven months of maternity leave, while male workers will get 10 days of leave when their wives give birth.

The law provides financial support for women from very small ethnic minority groups when they give birth, as well as for women in provinces and cities with birth rates below the replacement level, and women who have two children before age 35. Additionally, families with two children will be prioritized for purchasing, rent-to-own, or renting social housing, in accordance with housing laws.

Based on socio-economic conditions during each period, the Government will regulate the benefit levels, procedures, and processes for these policies. Provincial and city local authorities may set higher support levels than those issued by the Government and implement additional measures to maintain a replacement birth rate suitable to their specific circumstances.

According to the General Office for Population (Ministry of Health), after mergers, there are still 13 provinces and cities nationwide with birth rates below the replacement threshold, which is under 2,1 children per woman. TP HCM continues to be the locality with the lowest birth rate in the country, at 1,43 children per woman. Other localities with low birth rates include Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Ca Mau, and Vinh Long, with rates ranging from 1,43 to 1,6 children per woman.

Hanoi is the only locality in the Northern region with a birth rate below two children, reaching 1,86 children per woman. This represents a decrease of 0,02 children compared to 2023 and is the lowest rate in the capital's history.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan presented a report on the reception and explanation of the draft law on the morning of 10/12. Photo: Hoang Phong

The recently approved Population Law also mandates the suspension of medical practice for individuals who disclose the sex of a fetus for the purpose of abortion.

The State encourages men and women to actively access counseling services and pre-marital health check-ups. Based on socio-economic conditions, provincial-level local authorities will decide on financial support for pre-marital counseling and health check-ups. Couples are also encouraged to undergo prenatal screening for congenital diseases and newborn screening for pregnant women and infants. Funding will be supported by the state budget and health insurance, according to an increasing contribution roadmap.

The law further adds a framework for comprehensive policy orientation related to labor, employment, wages, social insurance, health insurance, allowances, education, healthcare, and housing, aiming to achieve a sustainable replacement birth rate.

Son Ha