CHEONAN, SOUTH KOREA - Cheonan City has announced a significant new public health initiative aimed at supporting individuals facing the prospect of permanent infertility due to necessary medical treatments or conditions. The "Support Project for Egg and Sperm Freezing for Expected Permanent Infertility," unveiled on April 28th, will provide financial assistance to eligible residents for the costs associated with preserving their fertility through egg and sperm freezing.

The program specifically targets men and women who are expected to experience permanent infertility due to medical reasons outlined in Article 14 of the Enforcement Decree of the Mother and Child Health Act. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the surgical removal of reproductive organs, the undergoing of gonadotoxic anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, and the presence of chromosomal abnormalities that impact reproductive function. Recognizing the emotional and personal impact of potential infertility, Cheonan City aims to provide a pathway for these individuals to potentially have biological children in the future.

Under the newly launched initiative, the city will cover 50% of the personal expenses incurred for essential procedures related to egg and sperm freezing. This financial support encompasses a range of necessary steps, including initial medical examinations and consultations to assess eligibility and plan the preservation process, ovulation induction for women to stimulate the production of multiple eggs, the retrieval and cryopreservation (freezing) of the gametes (eggs or sperm), and the ongoing costs associated with the secure storage of the frozen reproductive material.

The financial assistance provided will have maximum limits tailored to the specific needs of each gender. Eligible women can receive support up to a maximum of 5 million Korean Won (approximately $3,700 USD based on current exchange rates), reflecting the more complex and costly nature of egg retrieval and freezing procedures. Men, undergoing a less invasive and typically less expensive process, can receive support up to a maximum of 300,000 Korean Won (approximately $220 USD).

A key feature of the program is its inclusivity regarding marital status. The financial support is available to eligible individuals regardless of whether they are currently married or single. Furthermore, the support is provided on a lifetime basis, ensuring that those who qualify can access this crucial service when they need it most. This one-time provision underscores the program's focus on providing a significant opportunity for fertility preservation.

Individuals wishing to take advantage of this support program must first undergo the necessary medical procedures at a certified infertility treatment medical institution. Following the retrieval of their eggs or sperm, applicants must then submit an application for reimbursement, along with supporting documentation of the costs incurred. The application must be submitted within six months from the date of gamete retrieval to either their local public health center, based on their resident registration address in Cheonan City, or conveniently through the online e-Public Health Center platform. This streamlined application process aims to make the support accessible to all eligible residents.

Lee Hyun-ki, the Head of the Seobuk-gu Public Health Center in Cheonan, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, "We sincerely hope that this project will provide valuable opportunities for pregnancy and childbirth to those individuals in our community who unfortunately face permanent infertility due to unavoidable medical reasons. By easing the financial burden associated with fertility preservation, we aim to empower them with hope for the future."

This initiative by Cheonan City reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by individuals undergoing medical treatments that can impact their fertility. By providing substantial financial support for egg and sperm freezing, the city is taking a proactive step towards ensuring that residents facing these difficult circumstances have the option to preserve their reproductive potential and potentially build families in the future. This program aligns with broader efforts in South Korea to address issues related to low birth rates and to support the reproductive rights and well-being of its citizens. It is anticipated that this initiative will be welcomed by the community and serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to support individuals facing similar challenges.