Vietnam's bold new Population Law tackles gender imbalance and low birth rates

Vietnam's National Assembly passed a new Population Law in December 2025, set to take effect from July 1, 2026. The legislation targets key issues like gender imbalance, declining birth rates, and elderly care. Since its approval, officials have been working on detailed guidelines to ensure smooth implementation by the deadline. The Population Law (No. 113/2025/QH15) introduces strict measures to address gender selection and restore a natural sex ratio at birth. It also includes financial incentives, such as a 2 million VND payment per birth, to encourage higher fertility rates. In March 2026, the Ministry of Health held multiple meetings in Hanoi to finalise a decree outlining 32 articles across seven chapters, covering enforcement rules and support systems.

Alongside the population law, lawmakers discussed a draft disease prevention law during the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. This proposal focuses on controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health disorders, while promoting healthy nutrition for vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and the elderly. The draft also emphasises research, digital transformation, and financial support for epidemic control workers, including training and a dedicated prevention fund. As of March 2026, no measures have been implemented yet. Deputy Minister Do Xuan Tuyen has led efforts to finalise guidelines and organisational steps before the July 1 enforcement date.

The new laws aim to reshape Vietnam's demographic challenges by tackling gender imbalance, boosting birth rates, and improving disease prevention. Once enforced, they will introduce financial support, stricter regulations, and targeted health initiatives. Implementation details are still being refined ahead of the July 2026 rollout.