Vietnam targets natural sex ratio at birth by 2035

Vietnam aims to balance the sex ratio at birth by 2035, according to a draft health ministry plan. The imbalance is driven by a preference for sons, declining family sizes, and easier access to prenatal sex-selection technologies. The current sex ratio is 112.2 boys for every 100 girls, with a peak of 114.8 in 2018.

To achieve the goal, Vietnam plans to reduce the sex ratio below 109 boys per 100 girls by 2030, and then to the natural ratio of about 106 boys for every 100 girls by 2035. Proposed measures include stricter enforcement of laws against fetal sex selection, increased inspections of medical facilities, tighter monitoring of online advertisements for such services, and public campaigns.

Health officials attribute the imbalance to a persistent preference for male children, the pressure to produce male heirs, shrinking family sizes, and easier access to technology that allows sex identification before birth. If left unchecked, a surplus of men could lead to long-term demographic and social problems, including challenges in the marriage market, increased gender inequality, gender-based violence, and broader threats to social stability.