A New Era for Women’s Reproductive Rights in Vietnam
When 32-year-old Thu Uyen read the news that single women in Vietnam would soon be allowed to freeze their eggs and undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) without needing a doctor’s approval, she was taken aback. For her, this change represents more than just a shift in medical policy—it symbolizes a deeper transformation in societal values.
“This is not just about a woman’s right to motherhood, but also a child’s right to grow up in a complete family,” she wrote on her social media page. The new regulations, outlined in Decree No. 207, which took effect on October 1, mark a significant shift. Single women can now access egg freezing, IVF, and even receive donated sperm, embryos, or eggs independently, without requiring a doctor’s permission.
This development has sparked a heated debate across Vietnamese society. On one side, supporters view it as a progressive move that empowers women to make autonomous decisions about their reproductive futures. On the other hand, critics express concerns about the potential psychological, ethical, and societal consequences of allowing children to be born outside traditional family structures.
Thu Uyen is among those who oppose the change. She worries that the policy may normalize having children outside marriage, weaken the role of men in families, and place an unfair burden on women in terms of both financial responsibility and caregiving. She references studies suggesting that children raised by single parents may be more likely to follow similar family patterns later in life.
Thuy Quynh, a 28-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, shares similar concerns. She fears that the new policy could turn women’s bodies into commodities and potentially lead to illegal surrogacy. She also questions the legitimacy of children born through IVF, arguing that the process itself carries risks such as hormone injections and the possibility of genetic defects in donated sperm.
Medical Perspectives: A Step Forward or a Risk?
Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Duong, head of the IVF Hong Ngoc Reproductive Support Center in Hanoi, sees the new decree as a major step forward for women’s reproductive rights. “This is not about loosening restrictions,” she explains. “It’s about giving single women a chance to fulfill their dream of becoming mothers right here in Vietnam, instead of seeking risky and costly options abroad.”
She emphasizes that the procedures for donating and receiving sperm, eggs, and embryos are governed by strict anonymity rules. Each sample is used for only one woman, and donors must meet rigorous health and genetic screening criteria. “This is not just a health policy; it’s a declaration of women’s rights. Motherhood is a right, not a privilege.”
Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, a psychologist and director of the Institute for Social Development Studies, believes the decree addresses broader demographic challenges in Vietnam, including declining birth rates, delayed marriages, and the decision to remain childless. “It simply offers another option for women in need. If you don’t like it, you can marry and raise children the traditional way. There’s nothing here worth arguing about.”
She also stresses that children born through IVF deserve equal treatment and care, regardless of their origins. Regarding the issue of surrogacy, she notes that it has long been a concern, not a direct consequence of the new policy. “Medical ethics and legal enforcement are key to addressing these issues.”
Real-Life Stories and Diverse Motivations
Duong Thi Xuan from Nha Trang had a child via IVF in 2024. Her experience highlights the growing number of women turning to these technologies. According to data from the Hanoi Medical University Hospital, approximately 100 women have their eggs frozen each year, with many being single women. The Post and Telecommunications Hospital stores the eggs of 350 women, a number that increases by five to seven each month.
Thanh Lieu, a 30-year-old self-employed woman in Hanoi, spent VND 60 million to freeze her eggs and pays an additional VND 7 million annually for storage. While she has no plans for marriage, she wants to preserve her fertility while she still can.
Each woman who chooses IVF or egg freezing has a unique story. Some do so due to same-sex relationships, others after failed marriages or infertility struggles. Some face health issues, while others live with physical disabilities or simply reject the idea of marriage altogether. Despite their differences, they all share a common desire: to become mothers.
Global Context and Future Implications
In countries like Japan and South Korea, women have full autonomy over their reproductive choices, often supported by financial assistance. In contrast, China maintains a more conservative stance, banning egg freezing for single women on the grounds that it contradicts traditional family values and could further reduce birth rates.
As Vietnam moves forward with its new policies, the conversation around reproductive rights continues to evolve. With more women seeking alternatives to traditional family structures, the implications for society, law, and ethics will be far-reaching. Whether this change ultimately strengthens or challenges the fabric of Vietnamese family life remains to be seen.