Boosting Childbirth: How 7-Month Maternity Leave Changes the Game

Vietnam Considers Extending Maternity Leave Amidst Declining Birth Rates: A Look at the Policy’s potential Impact

Posted: March 22, 2025

HANOI, Vietnam – The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is actively considering a proposal to extend maternity leave for female workers giving birth to their second child from the current six months to seven. This initiative aims to address the nation’s declining fertility rate,sparking a national conversation about work-life balance,economic pressures,and the future of Vietnam’s population.

the proposal comes at a critical juncture. In 2024,Vietnam recorded its lowest replacement fertility rate in history,standing at 1.91 children per woman. this marks the third consecutive year the country has fallen below the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman – the rate needed to maintain a stable population. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, potentially leading to a shrinking workforce, increased strain on social security systems, and slower economic growth.

this situation is not unique to Vietnam. Many developed nations,including the United States,face similar challenges. The U.S. fertility rate has been below replacement level for years, hovering around 1.7 children per woman in recent years.This has prompted discussions about potential policy interventions, such as expanded child care benefits and subsidized parental leave, mirroring Vietnam’s approach.

The urgency of the situation is further underscored by observations from Hai Duong province. Despite 2024 being the year of the Dragon, traditionally considered auspicious for births, the province experienced a decline in birth rates, with nearly 21,800 births recorded, a decrease of over 1,000 compared to 2023. In addition, the number of third or subsequent births decreased by 145. projections indicate that Hai duong could enter a “super-aged population phase” by 2050, further highlighting the need for proactive measures.

“The current population situation in Vietnam is at an alarming level, requiring effective and timely measures,” experts have stated, emphasizing the need for complete strategies to address the underlying causes of declining fertility rates.

This follows earlier decisions, including the Politburo agreeing not to discipline those having a third child or more and allowing couples to decide on the number of children they want, which represent a important shift from previous policies.

the Policy Debate: Benefits and Challenges

While the proposed extension of maternity leave is generally viewed favorably, its potential impact is debated. Proponents argue that an extra month of leave would provide mothers with much-needed time to recover after childbirth and bond with their newborns. It also aligns with a broader societal goal of supporting families and promoting child well-being.

An additional month of maternity leave allows female workers to rest,recover after giving birth,and take better care of their children.

However, concerns exist. Some worry that extended leave could create difficulties for women returning to the workforce, potentially leading to career setbacks or discrimination. Businesses may also face challenges in managing staffing and productivity with longer maternity leaves, particularly for smaller enterprises.

The U.S. provides a contrasting example. While the Family and medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for childbirth and family medical reasons, the lack of mandatory paid leave puts the U.S.behind many other developed nations. Several states, including California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, have implemented their own paid family leave programs, offering a glimpse into the potential benefits and challenges of such policies.

One of the fundamental issues in population policy, both in Vietnam and the U.S., comes down to the trade-offs between women’s reproductive freedom and government policy. Hear is a look at some of the current population statistics in the world today.

Country	Fertility Rate (Births per Woman)	Median Age
United States	1.7	38.9
Vietnam	1.9	32.5
Japan	1.3	48.6
South Korea	0.8	45.4

Comparative Demographics as of 2024. Source: World Bank Data

extending maternity leave also raises questions about financial implications. While beneficial for families, it could place additional burdens on employers who may need to cover the costs of replacement workers or manage reduced productivity.Moreover, families themselves might face financial strain if the extended leave is unpaid or if it leads to reduced income.

Beyond Maternity Leave: A Holistic Approach

Experts emphasize that simply extending maternity leave is insufficient to address Vietnam’s declining birth rates. A comprehensive approach is needed that considers various factors influencing family planning decisions.

For this policy to be effective,it must be placed in a binding relationship between related factors. For example, employers must facilitate female workers in implementing maternity regimes. social welfare regimes must ensure, accompany and support families in raising and educating children. Or there must be housing infrastructure, kindergartens, health care… to meet the essential needs of couples who are workers far from home.

These factors include:

• Employer Support: Creating a supportive work environment where employers are understanding and accommodating of employees’ parental responsibilities. This could involve flexible work arrangements, on-site childcare facilities, and policies that encourage work-life balance.
• Social Welfare: Strengthening social welfare programs to provide financial assistance and support to families with young children. This could include child allowances, subsidized childcare, and affordable healthcare.
• Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure that supports families, such as affordable housing, accessible kindergartens, and quality healthcare services. This is particularly important for families who have migrated from rural areas to work in urban centers.
• Education Reforms: The Politburo’s recent decision to exempt tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school will significantly reduce the financial burden on parents, making education more accessible and affordable.

The U.S. could learn from these multifaceted strategies.While some states have made progress in providing paid family leave, access to affordable childcare remains a significant challenge for many American families. The high cost of childcare often discourages potential parents or forces one parent to leave the workforce,further impacting household income and economic productivity.

The importance of prioritizing population work cannot be overstated. As Permanent Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen stated in late February 2025, “the three pillars of health are prevention, treatment and population. In particular, population work must be given top priority because it directly affects socio-economic development and the fate of the country.”

Looking Ahead: A “Push” for the Future

While many couples face pressures that make them hesitant to have more children, the desire for a two-child family remains a common aspiration. Policies aimed at encouraging births could provide the “push” needed to address declining birth rates and ensure a enduring future for Vietnam.

However, the success of these policies hinges on a collective effort from the government, employers, and society as a whole.by creating a supportive environment for families, Vietnam can reverse its declining fertility rate and secure its long-term prosperity.

What other measures should the government implement to better the lives of families?

Vietnam Considers Extending Maternity Leave: An Interview with Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan

Posted: March 22, 2025

Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Lan. Thank you for joining us today. Vietnam is currently considering extending maternity leave. As a leading demographer, your insights are invaluable. Can you provide an overview of the situation?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: Thank you for having me.The proposal to extend maternity leave from six to seven months for women having a second child is a direct response to the concerning drop in Vietnam’s birth rate. We’ve seen a steady decline, with the fertility rate now below replacement levels, indicating a potential long-term issue for our workforce and economy.

Impact of Declining Birth Rates

Archyde News: The article mentions that the decline in birth rates is alarming. What specific implications does this have for Vietnam?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: The implications are multi-faceted.A shrinking workforce can stifle economic growth. We’ll likely face challenges in funding social security systems as the elderly population grows, and we’ll need to consider the progress implications. It’s the classic demographic shift,with fewer young people supporting an aging population. It is crucial that this problem is addressed quickly.

Policy Debate: Challenges and Benefits

Archyde News: The proposed policy has sparked debate. What are the pros and cons of extending maternity leave?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: The primary benefit is providing new mothers with more time to recover and bond with their newborns. This can positively impact both maternal and child well-being. Ther are worries around potential career implications for women, buisness productivity and also the financial impact on employers, especially smaller businesses. This is why the extension alone is not enough; we must look at other contributing factors.

A holistic Approach

archyde News: You mentioned that the extension of maternity leave isn’t sufficient on its own. What other measures are crucial for addressing declining birth rates?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: A holistic approach is required. This includes employer support like flexible work arrangements, strengthening social welfare to assist families, investing in infrastructure like affordable housing and accessible kindergartens, and of course, education reforms. in short, we must create a supportive ecosystem where having children is seen as manageable. The education reforms will make a significant impact.

A Look at the Future

Archyde News: The United States also faces similar challenges. What lessons can the US, and other countries, learn from Vietnam’s situation?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: The core lesson is the importance of a multifaceted approach. The US,similar to Vietnam,must consider policies that support families,but also have a view of the economic landscape. The cost of childcare in the US is an incredible burden on families. Many developed nations face the same challenges. This all involves a delicate balance between government policy and the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies – it’s very critical.

Final Thoughts

Archyde News: Dr. Lan, this has been very insightful. Do you have any final thoughts on the matter?

Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan: The situation calls for considered and prompt action. Policies designed to encourage births can give couples the support they need to feel comfortable expanding their families – but what do you think? What other measures should the government implement to better the lives of families?