It is difficult to detect and gather evidence of violations.
According to the General Statistics Office, Vietnam's sex ratio at birth in 2025 will be 110 boys per 100 girls (Population Change and Family Planning Survey as of April 1, 2026, published in August 2026), still higher than the natural balance of 104-106 boys per 100 girls. The reasons for this gender imbalance at birth stem from a continued preference for male children among some segments of the population, combined with the overuse of scientific and technological advancements in medicine (ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis); a lack of understanding of the consequences of gender imbalance at birth; and inadequate social welfare policies for the elderly.
To prevent this situation, the health sector has implemented awareness campaigns, professional commitments, inspections, and audits at medical facilities, diagnostic imaging centers, obstetric clinics, publishing houses, and online environments. However, in reality, detection and handling remain challenging. Between 2016 and 2025, the Ministry of Health conducted 17 inspections and 10 audits of medical facilities, publishing activities, and online environments. As a result, 40 books containing content promoting and guiding methods for sex selection of fetuses were discovered; records were made, the books were confiscated, and commitments to prevent recurrence were required. Of these, 30 publications were withdrawn or recalled by the publishers; 2 publications were recalled; 4 were illegally printed or used under false pretenses; and 4 books lacked the necessary verification.
On the internet, authorities discovered numerous articles and videos offering advice on choosing the sex of a child and assisting in fetal sex selection on personal pages, Facebook, and hospital websites. The Ministry of Health requested 20 violating units to remove the content; and asked relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate inspections, investigations, and handling of violations related to the posting of information on media, social networks, and the internet.