On August 27, the Ministry issued a statement categorically denying these rumors, stressing that such claims are completely baseless and have only served to create unwarranted panic.

To clarify the situation, the Ministry pointed to an official document dated August 13, which addressed feedback from Ho Chi Minh City constituents ahead of the 7th session of the 15th National Assembly. The document focused on initiatives to boost urban birth rates, not on penalizing individuals for being single.

Previously, the government enacted Decision 588/QĐ-TTg on April 28, 2020, to maintain a stable replacement-level fertility rate, which is crucial for ensuring a balanced demographic structure with a sustainable working-age population.

The policy particularly emphasizes regions with low birth rates, promoting measures that encourage families to have at least two children.

Contrary to the false claims, the government’s actual policy aims to revise and enhance support measures that encourage childbirth, including the removal of regulations that discourage having more than two children.

Local authorities are also urged to explore and implement support measures for families wishing to have two children, such as housing benefits, priority access to education, and other social incentives.

Vietnam reached a replacement-level fertility rate in 2006, but a declining birth rate trend has become increasingly apparent, especially in urban areas.

Health Minister Dao Hong Lan highlighted in her response to the constituents of Ho Chi Minh City that this trend is particularly pronounced in the economically vital Southern regions and rapidly urbanizing cities.

For instance, in 2023, the total fertility rate (TFR) in Ho Chi Minh City was the lowest in the country, at just 1.32 children per woman.

"The prolonged low birth rate poses several challenges, including accelerated population aging, labor shortages, and impacts on social security," stated the head of the health department, underscoring the importance of sustainable demographic strategies.

Vo Thu