Women’s association calls for more support for infertile couples

The government’s recent launch of the “Medical Assisted Reproduction Subsidy Program” has been seen as a significant step towards supporting childbirth and safeguarding the reproductive rights of infertile couples by the Women’s General Association of Macau.

However, the association believes the government can subsidize more cycles over time.

The plan aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) by waiving treatment service fees.

Eligible couples can be subsidized up to two cycles at the Macau Union Hospital, thereby addressing previous challenges faced by those seeking treatment due to high costs and limited options.

In Kiang Wu Hospital, assisted reproduction is a relatively expensive service, costing about MOP70,000 to MOP90,000 per cycle.

Lawmaker and vice-president of the association Wong Kit Cheng said that as the success rates of ART decline with age, many couples may require more than two treatment cycles to achieve pregnancy.

The average age of women seeking this service is relatively advanced, up to 43 years old.

Drawing inspiration from practices in mainland China, where cities like Beijing and Shenzhen offer multiple reimbursements through medical insurance, the association has advocated for an increase in the number of subsidized treatments over time.

This approach is aimed at adapting to macro factors such as treatment success rates and local birth trends.

Moreover, the association also called on the government to expand the subsidy plan to include additional medical institutions beyond the currently approved Kiang Wu Hospital, as this would enhance treatment choices for infertile couples and reduce waiting times.

Recently, the private hospital issued a warning about declining birth rates, calling on the government to implement measures to support families who want children but face difficulties.

“The situation is very serious,” said Chan Tai Ip, the hospital’s deputy director, noting the number of newborns in the first two quarters of this year was around 1,700, similar to 2022’s total of over 3,000 – but down sharply from 7,000 in 2016.

Since launching its assisted reproduction services in 2018, the private hospital has provided treatment to more than 300 couples, performing around 190 cycles per year with a 48% success rate, which Chan said is in line with international standards.

The association has also proposed incorporating advanced services such as pre-implantation genetic testing and gamete cryopreservation into funding projects, further bolstering support for those facing infertility.

With infertility rates estimated to be between 12% to 18%, the plan not only provides financial assistance but also aims to raise awareness about ART.