Women who give birth to a second child will receive seven months of maternity leave. Financial incentives will be provided for women with two children before the age of 35, and families with two or more biological children will receive priority when applying for social housing.

On the morning of December 10, with 448 out of 450 delegates in favor, Vietnam’s National Assembly voted to pass the Population Law. The law includes eight chapters and 30 articles and will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

The law covers population communication, education, and advocacy; maintaining replacement fertility; reducing gender imbalance at birth; adapting to an aging population; improving population quality; and defining the conditions necessary for implementing population work.

To maintain replacement-level fertility, the law introduces several policies. When a woman gives birth to a second child, she will be entitled to seven months of maternity leave, while the father will receive 10 working days off.

The law also provides financial support for childbirth in certain groups: ethnic minority women from underrepresented communities, women in provinces and cities with below-replacement fertility rates, and women who give birth to two children before turning 35.

Notably, the law stipulates that individuals with two or more biological children will be given priority in purchasing, leasing, or lease-purchasing social housing, according to relevant housing legislation. Additional support measures may be determined by the government.

Based on the country’s socio-economic conditions at any given time, the government will define benefit levels and the procedures for accessing these policies.

Banning gender disclosure to prevent sex-selective abortion

Before the law was passed, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan clarified that the legislation provides a strategic framework for long-term, comprehensive policies in areas such as employment, salaries, social insurance, healthcare, education, and housing - aimed at promoting sustainable fertility rates.

Support measures for longer maternity leave, financial aid for childbirth, and social housing access are structured by target groups and localities.

To address gender imbalance at birth, the law encourages communities to include anti-gender discrimination and anti-sex selection practices in their customary codes and regulations.

The law explicitly prohibits healthcare professionals from revealing the sex of fetuses if doing so could lead to sex-selective abortion. Violations will result in suspension from medical practice, as defined by existing laws on medical examination and treatment.

Proactive aging and lifelong preparation

To address Vietnam’s rapidly aging population, the law promotes a proactive approach to aging.

It outlines the roles of both the state and individuals in preparing for old age - starting from youth. This includes planning for health, finances, and psychological well-being; participating in social and health insurance; pursuing lifelong learning to maintain physical and mental capacity; and engaging in support services for the elderly.

The law commits the state to supporting priority groups in preparing for aging. It also encourages institutions, businesses, and individuals to help others prepare for old age in ways tailored to specific needs.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to enroll in private health insurance, in line with current insurance legislation.

Tran Thuong