HANOI - The Vietnamese Ministry of Health is considering relaxing its two-child policy due to a low birth rate, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday.

The ministry proposed allowing couples to decide the number and timing of their children, as well as addressing regional disparities in birth rates.

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Vietnam's birth rate hit a record low in 2024 with the total fertility rate dropping to just 1.91 children per woman, marking the third consecutive year below replacement level, according to the Vietnam Population Authority under the Ministry of Health.

Vietnam's current birth rate is below the regional average of 2.0 children per woman.