Health Ministry reviewing policy on egg freezing

SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health is reviewing its current policy on egg freezing.

Egg Vitrification is a method of freezing a woman’s eggs to preserve or extend fertility.

In Singapore, only women who might lose their fertility through medical treatments such as chemotherapy are allowed to undergo the procedure.

Nominated MP Tan Su Shan had asked in Parliament if egg freezing could be made available to more women, including single women, to preserve their fertility.

Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State for Health, said: "There are various reasons why egg freezing has not been allowed, other than for such medical reasons. And this include the fact that there are inherent risks to the women who undergo the egg freezing procedure, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome bleeding and infection.

"Futhermore because the technology is relatively new, there is little information available on the perinatal outcomes of the procedure. For instance, the success rate, live births, pregnancies and so on. And there is also no information on the long—term effect on children born through AR using vitrified eggs."

— CNA/de