In recent years, the number of couples having a third child has increased sharply. Up to 38 “hot spots” across the country broke up the traditional model of nuclear families with parents having more than two children.

All members of Mr Tuan’s family are very happy these days. His two daughters - an 11^th grader and a fifth grader - are preparing to welcome a new member – their brother - who was born two days earlier.  

“You should congratulate me as we now have a son,” Tuan told me at the front door looking delighted. “You see my parents, my wife and my two daughters are very happy.”

Looking at the 45-year-old neighbour with a big belly and bald head hurriedly preparing to pick up his wife and son from the maternity hospital, I feel happy but worried about their difficult lives ahead. From now on, the couple will have to work harder to earn a living for the five people, as well as spend more time caring for the baby. Perhaps, the duty of having a son to carry on the lineage still exists in the mind of men as part of their responsibility for their ancestors and family.

It seems to be why many have a third child. For families living on fishing in coastal areas, they need strong sun-beaten men and it is almost compulsory for these families to have sons. Visiting fishermen’s families which have only daughters, you observe the mounting pressure on their shoulders. Although women have much work to do and can earn a living, the role of the men is irreplaceable in offshore fishing.   

Meanwhile, in rural areas which make up more than 70 percent of the population, large families seem to have an advantage over one-or-two child families. When the household economy eventually blossoms, families of fewer children will probably get less profit and suffer other losses.

So it is apparent that it is not easy to reduce the fertility rate by applying the model of one-or-two child families. In addition, many couples do not strictly implement contraceptive methods, leading to unwanted babies. The birth rate in Vietnam now ranges from 1.6 to 2.3 percent in various localities, but it does not mean the rate in urban areas is lower than in rural areas.  

Through media agencies and education programmes on reproductive healthcare and family planning, the Government wants to reiterate the message: “Each family should have only one or two children”. But this concept seems not to be easy for couples, particularly those living in rural or far-flung areas where the poverty rate stands at around 40 percent.

Many fines have been applied to couples who have a third baby. State employees even receive stiffer punishments, for example, they are not promoted after a certain period of time. It is imperative to raise wider public awareness and create stronger social pressure in the hope of making a breakthrough in people’s thinking in a country whose economy is facing numerous challenges.

Vietnam’s population has gone beyond 83 million and will reach 90 or 100 million in a couple of years. While cultivatable land is becoming scarce and the unemployment rate is increasing, the burden of overpopulation on the national economy is undeniable. Anyone, from managers to ordinary people, should realise this. It is the responsibility of each citizen as well as the whole community.  

Tran Quang