Singapore raises age limit for elective egg freezing from 35 to 37 years old
The decision comes after review of local and international research showing stable success rates of egg freezing for women up to 37
SINGAPORE — Singapore will increase the age limit for women to freeze their eggs for fertility preservation from 35 to 37 years old when elective egg freezing becomes legal from 1 July.
This decision comes after a review of both local and international research showed that the success rates of egg freezing and subsequent usage of frozen eggs remain stable for women up to 37 years old.
Elective egg freezing was part of the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development.
At present, the egg freezing procedure is only allowed for women with medical conditions, such as cancer, who want to preserve their fertility. In March 2022, Singapore allowed women aged 21 to 35 to freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons, regardless of their marital status.
The age limit of 35 was chosen as it aligns with the age limit for egg donors, as noted during the 2022 parliamentary debate.
The change was announced by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the Health Ministry (MOH) on Monday (15 May).
Husband's consent necessary, frozen eggs can only be used for 'parenthood within marriage'
With the new changes, women aged 21 to 37 can undergo elective egg freezing in Singapore. However, only legally married couples will be able to use the frozen eggs for procreation.
According to the ministries, "Research at this point shows that success rates using eggs from women older than 37 years continues to decline." MOH stated that it would continue to monitor local and international evidence to assess the age limits for the freezing and subsequent use of eggs.
CNA reported that the Minister of State for Social and Family Development and Home Affairs, Sun Xueling, said during a doorstop interview on Monday that she hopes the two-year increase in the age limit will allow more women to pursue their 'marriage and parenthood aspirations' and support more couples in starting families.
However, she clarified that frozen eggs can only be used for parenthood within marriage, and the husband's consent will be necessary.
"Elective egg freezing is a choice that a woman can make on her own. It is her tissue, she can choose to donate, she can choose to dispose of this tissue that is hers," Sun was quoted as saying. "But when it comes to conceiving a child, the frozen egg can only be used for parenthood within marriage and so the consent of the husband will be necessary."
In the press release, the ministries reiterated the government's commitment to encouraging and supporting Singaporeans to pursue their marriage and parenthood aspirations as early as possible.
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