“Declining fertility is a global trend — currently, two-thirds of countries are witnessing population decline. For Viet Nam, this is a development achievement and the result of effective policy implementation. 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