Seoul subsidizes egg-freezing in battle against plummeting birthrate
2 Min Read
The initiative reportedly aims to assist women aged 20 to 49 in preserving their fertility for present or future parenthood.
-
Newborn baby at a hospital. (AFP)
In order to counter South Korea's plummet in birth rates, the city of Seoul is introducing a subsidy program that will financially support around 300 women who intend to freeze their eggs, starting from September 1.
The initiative aims to assist women aged 20 to 49 in preserving their fertility for present or future parenthood. This move comes as part of broader efforts to address the nation's record-low birthrates, which have caused concern among successive governments.
In 2022, South Korea reported a fertility rate of 0.78 children per woman, the lowest in its history and globally. Over the past five years, newlywed numbers have dropped by 23%, causing anxiety over economic, security, and healthcare strains as the country's population ages.
The subsidy program aligns with growing interest among Korean women to freeze their eggs, as reflected in opinion surveys. Previously, subsidies failed to address core obstacles, such as housing costs and an expensive education system, discouraging young couples from parenthood.
The administration of city mayor Oh Se-hoon is also considering ideas like allowing more foreign nannies to support childcare, but experts stress the need for deeper societal shifts to truly encourage a new generation of parents.
Read more: South Korea tries $500 allowance to help reclusive kids get out
