TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Health Promotion Administration's (HPA, 國民健康署) director general on Sunday (Dec. 15) announced plans to subsidize egg and sperm freezing for cancer patients. The initiative, set to launch in 2025, aims to support approximately 5,000 individuals, addressing fertility challenges faced by cancer patients.
Statistics reveal that cancer treatments affect the reproductive functions of about 12,000 cancer patients of reproductive age across Taiwan. The annual budget for this subsidy program is approximately NT$100 million. The 2021 cancer registry report shows that women comprise 60% of these patients, and a 2024 survey by the Taiwan Egg Freezing Association (台灣凍卵協會) found that nearly 90% of cancer patients' fertility plans are impacted by the disease. However, many have successfully had children through egg freezing.
The HPA Director General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) explained that the subsidy targets patients under 40, with financial aid for egg freezing for female breast cancer patients matching artificial reproduction assistance. First-time applicants can receive up to NT$100,000, while those applying again can get up to NT$60,000. The sperm freezing subsidy for male blood cancer patients will reflect current market rates, predominantly benefiting women, with an annual budget of NT$100 million.
Wu expressed hope that the substantial subsidy would encourage cancer patients of reproductive age to pursue medical fertility preservation. The Health Promotion Administration has sent the proposal to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部), with plans to submit it to the Executive Yuan (行政院) next.
