KUCHING May 25: For many women worldwide, starting a family is a dream come true for them. However, it may not be possible for those who are older.
South Korean women are now looking for a solution to their worries about the unknown of when their reproductive window would close.
A medical center in downtown Seoul left people staring in awe as enormous shiny, silver tanks fill the room, with the words “CHA Bio Bank” on the glass panels separating the tanks from the outside world.
A 34-year-old public servant, Lim Eun-young, was lured into the center as she finally realized her worries now have a solution.
“It’s a big relief and it gives me peace of mind to know that I have healthy eggs frozen right here,” said Lim.
Meanwhile, CHA keeps about 30% of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and it’s known as South Korea’s largest fertility chain.
According to the World Bank data, the fertility rate of a woman in South Korea was 0.81 last year whereas, OECD countries have an average of 1.59.
Despite that, CHA has helped increase that rate throwing the country’s economic burdens and social constraints to a relief.
In 2021, about 1,200 unmarried women underwent the operation as compared to only 600 in 2019.
But, there’s a catch. According to the South Korean government, women are only allowed to use the eggs when they are legally married.
A study done shows that marriages in South Korea dropped 40 percent, a record low of 192,500 last year. Therefore, throwing many women into a dilemma. – TVS
