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Taiwan boosts fertility treatment subsidies, aiming to boost birth rate

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Taiwan plans to expand its assisted reproductive technology (ART) subsidy program starting January 2027, allocating an estimated NT$2.9 billion annually.
  • The program aims to assist nearly 5,000 individuals per year with increased subsidies, particularly for second and third treatment cycles.
  • Key adjustments include higher subsidies for younger women and a policy encouraging single embryo transfer to reduce multiple births.

Taiwan is set to significantly enhance its support for citizens facing infertility challenges by expanding its assisted reproductive technology (ART) subsidy program. Beginning January 2027, the government plans to invest approximately NT$2.9 billion (US$90 million) annually, aiming to provide higher subsidies to nearly 5,000 individuals each year.

The core of the revised program focuses on increasing financial aid for second and third treatment cycles, aligning them with the subsidy levels of the first cycle. This adjustment seeks to alleviate the economic burden on couples undergoing multiple ART procedures, offering more consistent support for families aiming for their first, second, or even third child. The policy direction emphasizes "the earlier the use, the greater the increase in subsidies," intending to lower the barrier to starting fertility treatments.

The main adjustment direction is to raise the subsidies for the second and third treatment cycles to the same level as the first, no longer focusing only on the first cycle, but hoping that families planning for their first, second, or third child can receive more consistent support.

— Hu Yijun, Senior Executive Officer of the Maternal and Child Health Section of the National Health AdministrationExplaining the rationale behind increasing subsidies for subsequent ART treatment cycles.

Under the proposed changes, women under 45 undergoing ART will see subsidies for their first three cycles increase to between NT$130,000 and NT$150,000. For those under 40, the fourth to sixth cycles will continue to receive NT$60,000 per cycle. These adjustments are based on statistics showing that many couples achieve successful pregnancies in subsequent treatment cycles, particularly those under 40, and the government hopes this increased support will prevent premature discontinuation of treatment.

In addition to financial incentives, the National Health Agency (NHA) continues to promote the single embryo transfer (SET) policy. Currently, women under 38 are generally advised to transfer one embryo per cycle, while those aged 38 to 44 can transfer one or two. This policy aims to reduce the health risks associated with multiple pregnancies for both mother and child, balancing success rates with enhanced maternal and infant safety.

The earlier the use, the greater the increase in subsidies.

— Policy DirectionDescribing the incentive structure for the expanded ART subsidy program in Taiwan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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