South Korean District Offers egg Freezing Support to Combat Low Birth Rates
In a bid to tackle declining birth rates and rising marriage ages, one South Korean district is pioneering a program offering financial assistance for egg freezing procedures. This initiative aims to provide women with greater reproductive choices and address concerns related to declining fertility associated with delayed childbearing.
Groundbreaking Fertility Initiative Launched in 충북 (Chungbuk)
충북 (Chungbuk) became the first region in South Korea to implement this policy in 2023. The program subsidizes the cost of egg freezing for women, allowing them to preserve their fertility for future use. This initiative is a continuation of efforts from the previous to provide extensive support for its residents.
Generous Support for Fertility Preservation
충북’s egg freezing support program stands out for its broader eligibility criteria compared to national government standards. It is open to women with Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels below 5ng/ml, irrespective of marital status or income, who have undergone egg freezing procedures since January 1, 2025. Eligible participants can receive 50% of the procedure costs back, up to a maximum of 2 million won.
Addressing Declining Fertility Rates and Societal Shifts
The initiative responds to increasing social activity and changing views on marriage, leading to continuously rising ages for first marriages among women. Consequently, concerns about declining ovarian function, reduced fertility, and difficulties related to pregnancy are growing. By providing egg freezing support, 충북 aims to empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning.
Chungbuk Province Boosts Support for Women’s Reproductive Health with Fertility Preservation Funding
Chungbuk Province is taking proactive steps to support women’s reproductive health by offering financial assistance for fertility preservation procedures.This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with these procedures, which are typically not covered by health insurance, and empower women to plan their futures.
Addressing the Financial Barriers to Fertility Preservation
Recognizing that the cost of fertility preservation can be a critically important barrier, especially for women facing medical treatments or other circumstances that may impact their future ability to conceive, Chungbuk’s program offers crucial financial support. This allows women to consider fertility preservation as a viable option, providing them with greater control over their reproductive choices.
A Model for National Expansion
Kim Soo-min,an official from the Chungbuk Provincial Government,highlighted the success of the program,stating,”as our province pioneered the male fertility preservation support project,we have seen great interest and response,leading to its expansion into a government project.” She further emphasized the province’s commitment to supporting women’s reproductive choices: “We will continue to discover and promote various policies so that any woman who wants to plan for pregnancy and childbirth can do so.”
How to Apply for Fertility Preservation Support
Residents of Chungbuk Province can inquire about the program and application process by contacting the Chungbuk Population Youth Policy Office at 043-220-4762 or the Population Health and Welfare Association Chungbuk Branch at 043-270-5936.
Q: Beyond financial assistance, what broader societal impact is Chungbuk province hoping to achieve with this egg freezing support?
South Korean District Offers Egg Freezing Support to Combat Low Birth Rates: Q&A
Q: What is the core problem this initiative is trying to solve?
A: The program aims to combat declining birth rates and rising marriage ages in South Korea, addressing concerns about womenS declining fertility.
Q: Which district is leading this initiative?
A: 충북 (Chungbuk) province.
Q: What does the program offer?
A: Financial assistance for egg freezing procedures.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Women with Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels below 5ng/ml who have undergone egg freezing procedures since January 1, 2023, irrespective of marital status or income.
Q: How much financial support is provided?
A: 50% of the procedure costs, up to a maximum of 2 million won.
Q: Why is this initiative important?
A: It empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning in the face of delayed childbearing.
Q: How does this program differ from national standards?
A: It has broader eligibility criteria.
Q: Where can I find more information and how do I apply?
A: Residents can contact the Chungbuk Population Youth policy Office at 043-220-4762 or the Population Health and Welfare Association Chungbuk Branch at 043-270-5936.
Q: Is this the only fertility support project in the region?
A: The province has pioneered male fertility preservation support projects too.
This program represents a important step in South Korea’s efforts to support women’s reproductive choices and tackle the challenges of declining birth rates, paving the way for a future where women have greater control over their family planning.
