Taiwan to subsidize fertility treatments for cancer patients under 40
台灣將為40歲以下癌症患者提供生育治療補貼
| Chemotherapy typically affects fertility
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —The Ministry of Health and Welfare is expected to launch a pilot program subsidizing fertility treatments for people of childbearing age suffering from cancer. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy typically affect an individual's fertility, with the new program offering subsidies for egg freezing for women with breast cancer and sperm freezing for men with blood cancer, per CNA. According to the latest data from the Cancer Registration Report, Taiwan has approximately 12,000 individuals suffering from cancer who could qualify for the program, with 60% being female patients. The initial budget for the program is set at NT$100 million (US$3 million). The Taiwan Egg Freezing Association’s latest survey shows that nearly 90% of cancer patients who are planning to have children are affected by the sudden onset of cancer. Despite this, many cancer patients can still realize their dream of starting a family through egg and semen freezing. Health Promotion Administration Director-General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) spoke to the media on Sunday noting that after discussions with relevant medical associations, the first phase of the pilot program will be limited to female breast cancer patients and male blood cancer patients. Wu said the types of cancer covered are expected to expand. Wu said the current age limit for recipients is 40. The maximum egg-freezing subsidy for first-time applicants is NT$100,000 and the maximum subsidy for re-applicants is NT$60,000. The maximum subsidy for semen freezing is NT$100,000. According to Wu, the Health Promotion Administration has signed the necessary documents and delivered them to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Ultimately, the pilot will require budget approval by the Cabinet. |
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| Sean Scanlan, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2024-12-16 |
