The new population policy - A religious perspective

Abstract

Vietnam is entering a period of population aging, with fertility rates falling below replacement level in many provinces and cities. The new population policy represents an important turning point in Vietnam’s population strategy after a long period of continuity. Vietnam’s population issues are not only characterized by low fertility rates but also by a sex imbalance at birth. In the long term, these factors affect population quality and generate various social problems. This paper approaches religious perspectives on childbirth to highlight the alignment between these perspectives and the new population policy. Religious philosophy addresses the issue of sex imbalance at birth by emphasizing respect for life and the inherent equality of fetuses. However, the attitudes of different religions diverge on the use of contraception as well as assisted reproductive interventions.