Vietnam proposes tripling fines to curb sex-selective practices

The proposal is included in a draft revision to the Population Law, now under public consultation until June 12.

The ministry said selecting the sex of a fetus remains a key driver of the country’s skewed sex ratio at birth, particularly in northern provinces.

In 2024, the national sex ratio stood at 111.4 boys for every 100 girls, significantly above the natural rate of around 106.

Provinces such as Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc reported ratios as high as 118.5, while southern provinces generally maintained near-balanced levels.

Although sex selection is banned under Vietnamese law, enforcement remains challenging.

Authorities say some private clinics continue to covertly disclose fetal sex, often using coded language.

“Current fines of VND30 million [$1,151] are not an effective deterrent,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The proposed increase is necessary to strengthen compliance and protect demographic stability.”

The draft law also calls for public disclosure of localities with high gender imbalances, categorized by severity, and for expanded public awareness campaigns promoting the value of girls and gender equality.

Demographic forecasts warn that without stronger intervention, Vietnam could face a surplus of 1.5 million men aged 15–49 by 2039, rising to 2.5 million by 2059. 

Experts have warned this could lead to broader social challenges, including increased difficulty for men to find spouses and potential long-term population instability.

Vietnam’s fertility rate has fallen to 1.91 children per woman, adding pressure on families—particularly those with only one child—to attempt sex selection, officials say.