越南为何放宽维持了36年的生育限制？

Core Viewpoint - Vietnam has amended its long-standing birth policy, allowing couples to decide the number of children they wish to have, in response to declining fertility rates and demographic changes [1][5][9]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The National Assembly of Vietnam has passed an amendment to the Population Law, removing the previous limit of two children per couple, allowing for personal choice in family planning [1][5]. - The new law states that individuals or couples can decide on the timing, number of children, and spacing between births based on various personal factors [5][9]. Group 2: Demographic Trends - Vietnam's total fertility rate has been declining, recorded at 2.01 in 2022, 1.96 in 2023, and further dropping to 1.91 in 2024, which is below the replacement level of 2.1 [5][9]. - The decline in fertility rates is particularly pronounced in urban areas, with young couples opting for fewer children due to economic pressures and lifestyle changes [6][10]. Group 3: Societal Implications - The government recognizes that merely changing laws will not quickly reverse the declining birth rate, as societal attitudes towards family size have shifted significantly [9][10]. - Vietnam is facing challenges related to an aging population, with projections indicating that by 2050, over 25% of the population will be aged 60 and above [10]. Group 4: Gender Imbalance - There is a notable gender imbalance in Vietnam, with the male-to-female birth ratio recorded at 111.4 in 2024, which is above the natural level [10]. - The government has implemented strict penalties against prenatal sex selection, proposing to increase fines for violations to deter gender imbalance [10].