“Declining fertility is a global trend —currently happening in two-thirds of countries, including Viet Nam. This demographic shift presents significant development progress resulting from effective implementation of population and socio-economic development policies. It also reflects that people are able to exercise their right to decide the number of children they have, and that women today have greater access to education and career opportunities, giving them the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive intentions.

This was emphasized by Ms. Phạm Thị Lan, Head of Population and Development, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Viet Nam on the programme “Weekend Dialogue” on People’s Police Television (ANTV).”

Viet Nam has made a major step forward as the National Assembly Standing Committee passed the amended Population Ordinance, officially removing the regulation limiting couples to having only 1–2 children.

To ensure a sustainable and appropriate replacement fertility rate, UNFPA recommends:

• Flexible policies tailored to different regions and population groups
• Putting women and girls at the center
• Expanding access to education and employment opportunities for women
• Strengthening policy implementation monitoring