Vietnam introduces new incentives to encourage higher birth rates a year after it scrapped its long-standing two-child limit. Under a new population law that takes effect on July 1, and supporting regulations that come into effect Wednesday, mothers in targeted situations are set to receive longer maternity leave and additional benefits for having a second child. Multiple outlets report that maternity leave increases from six months to seven months for mothers giving birth to their second child. The measures also include free or subsidised prenatal screenings and financial support described as a cash bonus, with one example given of Hanoi resident Nguyen Kim Bich potentially receiving an extra month of leave along with medical check-ups and a small cash payment if she has a second child.
Some coverage also highlights the broader context: Vietnam is working to address demographic aging by raising fertility rates, but analysts cited in one report say population incentives may not fully reverse long-term aging trends without wider economic and welfare reforms.
