SIHEUNG, SOUTH KOREA – In a proactive response to evolving societal trends characterized by increasing rates of singlehood and delayed marriage, which often lead to later pregnancies, Siheung City has launched a pioneering initiative to support oocyte (egg freezing) cryopreservation for its female residents. Effective this month, the new policy aims to empower women aged 20 to 49 to preserve their fertility for future family planning, regardless of their current marital status.

The groundbreaking program specifically targets women residing in Siheung City whose household income falls below 180% of the national median income and who exhibit a low ovarian reserve, indicated by an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) level of 1.5 ng/ml or lower. Eligible individuals can receive a one-time financial assistance of up to 2 million KRW (approximately $1,500 USD) to cover the costs associated with pre-screening assessments and the oocyte cryopreservation procedure itself. This significant financial support aims to alleviate the burden of fertility preservation for women who may face challenges conceiving later in life.

The application process operates on a reimbursement system, requiring applicants to submit their claims after the completion of the oocyte cryopreservation procedure. Residents of Siheung City can conveniently apply for this support through the Gyeonggi Civil Service 24 online portal (go24.gg.go.kr).

Recognizing the subsequent steps in family building, Siheung City has also established a supplementary program titled ‘Frozen Oocyte Assisted Reproductive Technology Support.’ This initiative provides financial aid to couples who choose to utilize their previously cryopreserved oocytes for assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Eligible couples can receive up to 1 million KRW (approximately $750 USD) per attempt, with a maximum of two supported cycles, to offset the costs associated with thawing the frozen eggs and undergoing procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Furthermore, Siheung City is set to implement the ‘Support Project for Freezing and Preserving Reproductive Cells for Expected Permanent Infertility’ within the first half of this year. This crucial program will offer financial assistance to individuals facing the prospect of permanent infertility due to necessary medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer. The initiative will cover the costs of sperm and egg freezing and initial storage, providing a one-time support of up to 300,000 KRW (approximately $225 USD) for men and up to 2 million KRW (approximately $1,500 USD) for women. This aims to provide a vital option for preserving reproductive potential before undergoing potentially sterilizing treatments.

These comprehensive initiatives underscore Siheung City's commitment to addressing the evolving needs of its citizens and proactively supporting their reproductive health and family planning goals. For further information and specific eligibility criteria, residents are encouraged to contact their local public health center within Siheung City. This multi-faceted approach positions Siheung as a leader in providing tangible support for fertility preservation and assisted reproduction.

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