Vietnam Targets Natural Sex Ratio at Birth by 2035

Vietnam is targeting a natural sex ratio at birth, aiming to reach about 106 boys for every 100 girls by 2035, according to a draft government plan from the Ministry of Health. This initiative seeks to counteract sex-selection services and address deep-seated preferences for male heirs.

The draft plan proposes a phased approach, targeting a ratio below 109 boys per 100 girls by 2030 before achieving the natural level by 2035. Vietnam has grappled with a skewed sex ratio for years, with figures showing 112.2 boys per 100 girls in 2016, peaking at 114.8 in 2018, and easing slightly to 110 in 2025.

To achieve this goal, the ministry suggests reinforcing laws that prohibit fetal sex selection, enhancing inspections of medical facilities, and increasing oversight of online advertisements for such services. Public awareness campaigns are also planned to challenge the societal preference for sons, which the ministry identifies as a key driver of the imbalance, alongside shrinking family sizes and easier access to prenatal sex-identification technology.

The government acknowledges the potential long-term demographic and social consequences of a sustained male surplus. These could include significant challenges in the marriage market, heightened gender inequality, increased instances of gender-based violence, trafficking of women and girls, and broader threats to social stability.