Taipei: In Taiwan, a growing number of women are opting to freeze their eggs, defying cultural norms and societal expectations. With Taiwan’s fertility rate plummeting to just 0.89 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1, many independent and career-focused women are taking charge of their reproductive choices.

Among them is Vivian Tung, a 33-year-old brand marketing director, who recently underwent the egg freezing process. Thousands of Taiwanese women are following suit, seeking insurance for their future motherhood, even though current laws only permit egg use in heterosexual marriages. This article explores the rising trend of egg freezing in Taiwan and the barriers these women face in realizing their dreams of motherhood.

A growing trend in Taiwan

Taiwan’s fertility crisis has spurred a significant increase in women seeking egg freezing as a viable option for future motherhood. The demand for egg freezing has surged, particularly among women aged 35 to 39, with a remarkable 86% rise in the past three years, according to National Taiwan University Hospital.

More than a dozen centers offering egg freezing services have emerged, with the pandemic further driving the growth. Dr. Lai Hsing-Hua, founder of Taiwan’s first egg bank, the Stork Fertility Clinic, reports a 50% year-on-year rise in new patients, signifying the increasing popularity of this technology.

Legal hurdles and government consideration

Despite the growing trend, current laws restrict the use of frozen eggs to heterosexual marriages, excluding unmarried women and same-sex married couples. This limitation has contributed to only around 8% of women using their eggs after freezing, in contrast to about 38% in the United States.

Vivian Tung and others like her are hopeful that Taiwanese authorities will reconsider these restrictions and allow unmarried women to access assisted reproduction in the future. Taiwan’s progressive stance on same-sex marriage and adoption offers a glimmer of hope for a potential policy change.

The cost and accessibility challenge

While the demand for egg freezing is on the rise, affordability remains a significant challenge. Egg freezing procedures cost between $2,600 to $3,900, and annual storage fees range from $160 to $320.

A study by National Taiwan University Hospital reveals that average annual salaries of less than $19,000 make egg freezing financially unattainable for many women. To address this, some local governments, such as Hsinchu and Taoyuan, have started subsidizing egg freezing, but limited spots are available annually.

As Taiwanese women defy societal norms and embrace egg freezing, the call for policy changes to expand access to assisted reproduction grows stronger. The surge in demand reflects a shift in mindset among independent and career-driven women who want to retain control over their reproductive choices. With progressive steps already taken in the realm of same-sex marriage and adoption, there is hope that Taiwanese society will evolve to support these women on their journey towards motherhood.