Planned oocyte cryopreservation in Hong Kong: a potential prototype for mainland China.

Abstract

The advent of planned oocyte cryopreservation (planned OC) represents a pivotal transition from reactive infertility treatments to proactive fertility preservation, providing a contemporary solution for women aiming to synchronise their career aspirations with future fertility plans. While numerous developed Western nations have liberalised access to planned OC for diverse individuals, including opposite-sex married couples, same-sex married couples, and unmarried individuals, mainland China maintains stringent prohibitions, permitting it solely for medical reasons, due to medical, cultural, and ethical considerations. In contrast, Hong Kong, a major urban city in China, has adopted a more permissive approach, allowing access to planned OC for non-medical reasons among unmarried individuals. This article will delve into the evolving landscape of public attitudes, fertility-seeking behaviour, and regulatory governance in Hong Kong. It will reflect on the practices and challenges associated with implementing a more permissive policy on planned OC, aiming to extract valuable lessons for the broader Chinese context.