The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is facing increasing challenges due to declining fertility rates and uneven access to fertility treatment. A new policy paper titled “Improving Access to Fertility Treatment in Asia Pacific”, launched today, examines the barriers to effective fertility care across 13 countries and territories. These include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The paper identifies several key barriers, such as the lack of formal recognition of infertility as a disease, disparities in access and reimbursement for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and elective egg freezing, and gaps in government support frameworks. It also examines how socioeconomic pressures and delays in family planning are contributing to fertility rates falling below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman in most APAC countries.
Recommendations from the paper include raising public awareness, improving access to diagnostics and treatments, and supporting fertility preservation options such as elective egg freezing.
“Fertility preservation is a personal choice that women should be able to make when they are ready. Elective egg freezing can provide women with more time and flexibility in planning their families. When done at a younger age, it may preserve higher-quality eggs, improving future fertility outcomes. This supports women and families to have the children and the family sizes they desire,” said Professor Human Fatemi, Group Medical Director, ART Fertility Clinics in UAE, and a contributing author to the report.
According to the policy paper, one in six people across the region is affected by infertility. The report highlights that investing in ART, including broader access to preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and expanding insurance coverage, could generate a threefold return in tax revenue for every US$1 invested.
“Infertility is not a lifestyle choice. Addressing fertility challenges faced by couples requires a coordinated approach involving medical, economic and social factors. We urgently call on governments across APAC to prioritise infertility as a disease and integrate fertility care into national healthcare strategies. Collaborative efforts with governments in the lead are crucial to significantly enhance access to fertility treatments across the region,” said Noha Salem, Executive Director, Organon Global Policy & Government Relations.
The policy paper notes that increasing public funding for ART, improving healthcare infrastructure, and addressing cultural stigma can help create more equitable access to fertility care. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities all have a role in supporting families affected by infertility.
Tina Pai, a woman who accessed ART in Taiwan, shared her experience. “Time wasn’t on my side,” she said. “But thanks to Taiwan’s fertility policy, which covers up to 50 per cent of ART costs, I was able to begin treatment without hesitation.” With support from Taiwan’s medical system and funding policies, Tina gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
“From egg freezing to ART, take advantage of the supportive policies around you. Your journey to happiness can begin today, with the right care at the right time,” she said.
The Improving Access to Fertility Treatment in Asia Pacific policy paper was presented at the 14th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE). Dr Clare Boothroyd, President of ASPIRE, said, “ASPIRE is dedicated to advancing reproductive health in the Asia-Pacific region through research, education, and advocacy. Addressing the challenges of infertility requires a coordinated effort, and by collaborating across medical, economic, and social sectors, we can develop and implement recommendations that are essential to support individuals and families in their journey towards parenthood and to ensure equitable access to fertility treatments across the Asia-Pacific region.”
“At Organon, we are dedicated to addressing the unique health needs of women. This policy paper underscores our mission and commitment to improve access to essential reproductive care. Advocating for better policies and support systems empowers women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and to build the families they desire. Addressing declining fertility rates necessitates a holistic approach that requires policymakers, healthcare providers and the public to come together to support equitable access for families across the region,” concluded Andreas Jørgensen, Managing Director of Organon Asia Pacific.