Govt proposes removing 10-year storage limit for sperm, eggs and embryos

The government has proposed amendments to the Code of Productive on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research, including removing the 10-year storage limit of gametes or embryos intended for own use and related age restrictions.

The Council on Human Reproductive Technology launched a consultation with stakeholders on Thursday (Mar 13), suggesting that the storage period of sperm, eggs or embryos for own use should no longer have legal restrictions on the patient's gender, age, or medical conditions.

Additionally, the Council planned to revise operational measures in the code to ensure citizens understand the associated medical risk before engaging in unnecessary and prolonged storage of gametes or embryos without medical reasons. 

Licensed centers will be required to provide patients with relevant information, such as the risks of egg-retrieval procedures, the rapid decline in fertility or pregnancy rate associated with aging of women, the risks of advanced maternal age, as well as the social impacts of delayed childbearing, patients must sign a consent form to acknowledge the associated risk. 

Furthermore, the centers must provide tailored counseling for patients after a certain storage period, along with obtaining the patient's written consent if an extension of the storage period is needed.

Nixie Lam Lam, a lawmaker from the DAB who has undergone in-vitro fertilization treatment, supports the proposal and describes egg freezing as a form of family insurance to allow women to retain the opportunity to have healthy children despite marriage, career and health factors. 

Lawmaker Judy Chan Ka-pui from the New People's Party also welcomed the proposed amendment, noting an increase in late marriages and the growing acceptance of preserving gametes or embryos for personal use in the city.

Meanwhile, medical sector legislator David Lam Tzit -yuen expressed concern that changing storage limits might not effectively encourage the city's birth rate as it might mislead individuals about the urgency of family planning, urging the government to enhance public education.

The Council is currently in discussions with stakeholders, including licensed centers and relevant organizations, with the consultation period ending on April 13.