Taiwan to raise subsidies for in vitro fertilization treatments

台灣將提高試管嬰兒的補貼

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Health Promotion Administration said it will increase subsidies for in vitro fertilization treatments to encourage childbirth and ease the financial burden on couples, per CNA.

The move comes as Taiwan’s population continues to decline. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the total population stood at 23,337,936 as of July, down 71,387 from the same month last year.

In July, the birth rate hit a new low, with 8,939 babies born — 29 fewer than in June and 1,485 fewer than in July 2024.

The HPA said women under 40 diagnosed with infertility can receive up to NT$100,000 (US$3,100) for their first IVF application. The maximum subsidy for subsequent applications has been raised from NT$60,000 to NT$100,000.

Originally limited to low-income couples, the program expanded in July 2021 and has since helped nearly 24,000 couples give birth to more than 27,000 newborns.

Citing 2022 data, the HPA noted that IVF success rates drop significantly with age: 32.6% at age 30, 28.6% at age 35, 19.1% at age 40, and below 10% after age 43.

Delayed childbirth has become a major contributor to infertility in Taiwan. As individuals age, reproductive capacity declines, potentially leading to lower egg and sperm quality, fertilization difficulties, and a higher risk of health issues in offspring.

The agency urged women to consider having children between ages 25 and 35, and men before age 40, which it considers the optimal fertility window. It also advised couples facing infertility to seek medical treatment as early as possible.