Vietnam Proposes Mandatory Pre-Marital Courses for Youth to Boost Birth Rate

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has proposed mandatory pre-marital courses for young people to address late marriage ages and a historically low birth rate. This initiative, part of the 2026-2035 National Target Program, aims to improve population quality and mitigate labor shortages. The draft, currently open for public comment, indicates that the average age of first marriage among Vietnamese youth is rising, increasing from 25.2 to 27.3 years between 2019 and 2024. Ho Chi Minh City records the highest average age at 30.4, with many men in the Southeast and Mekong Delta regions delaying marriage until after 30. Key reasons cited for young people's reluctance to marry include financial pressure, a focus on career development, and difficulties in finding an ideal partner. The prolonged low birth rate is projected to cause severe labor shortages and accelerate population aging. It is predicted that in 50 years, the social structure will be inverted, with two children supporting four elderly individuals. In response, the Ministry of Health suggests establishing courses that provide knowledge and skills in marriage, family, reproductive and sexual health, pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, and family financial management for couples preparing to marry. The ministry plans to develop and standardize unified national learning materials and train instructors and health-population officials for local implementation. Annually, approximately 20% of communes, wards, and special zones are expected to organize at least one course or specialized seminar for youth preparing for marriage. According to the Ministry of Health, this proposed policy would require localities to mandatorily organize marriage preparation courses for men and women before marriage, encouraging youth participation. Furthermore, a campaign to promote having two children is proposed for 10 localities with birth rates below the national average, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Khanh Hoa, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Ca Mau. These areas will intensify communication, counseling, and supportive policies to encourage couples to have two children, addressing the prolonged declining birth rate trend in many urban and economically developed regions. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has proposed allowing local authorities to determine monthly financial support levels for children from birth up to 36 months of age to revive the low birth rate. Beyond monthly allowances for toddlers, the draft suggests expanding support packages such as meal costs for preschool children or direct rewards for women who complete the goal of having children before the age of 35. Regarding infertility prevention, the Ministry of Health proposes strengthening communication, counseling, and screening for youth, couples preparing for marriage, and couples of reproductive age nationwide. Notably, the draft suggests piloting infertility risk screening in communes with industrial parks within the 10 provinces and cities experiencing low birth rates. Priority will be given to couples married for over 12 months without children, especially those with a spouse working in an industrial park.