The government will support egg and sperm freezing for men and women who are expected to experience permanent infertility due to medical reasons such as cancer treatment. The Ministry of Health and Welfare noted on the 28th that it will implement a program to support egg and sperm freezing.
The target recipients of the program are men and women who are expected to experience permanent infertility due to medical reasons outlined in the Mother and Child Health Act's enforcement decree, including ovary or testicle removal and cancer treatment. Support is available regardless of age, income, or marital status.
The program will cover 50% of the personal expenses required for egg and sperm freezing, available once in a lifetime. For women, up to 2 million won will be provided to support costs related to ovulation induction, egg retrieval, freezing, and storage. For men, up to 300,000 won will be granted for expenses related to sperm collection, freezing, and storage. The total budget allocated for this program this year is 580 million won (based on government funds).
Those wishing to freeze eggs or sperm should proceed with the freezing procedures at a medical institution, pay the expenses upfront, and then visit the local public health center based on their registered address to apply for support. If eggs or sperm were collected after Jan. 1 this year, they may apply, and applications must be made within six months of the collection date. They can receive support for the expenses within one month of the application date.