China's demographic decline is an increasing concern for the nation, and unmarried women seeking IVF treatment might be part of the solution. Recently, Chengdu, the capital of the southwestern Sichuan province, legalized the registration of children by unmarried women, granting them access to paid maternity leave, child subsidies, and the possibility of legal IVF treatment in private clinics. Chen Luojin, a 33-year-old divorced woman from Chengdu, is now 10 weeks pregnant through IVF, a testament to the policy's potential success.

The Chinese government has been considering implementing these changes nationwide to address the record low birth rates. Liberalizing IVF across the country could significantly increase demand for fertility treatment, straining the already limited fertility services. However, investors in the industry see a growth opportunity.

China's National Health Commission (NHC) has not commented publicly on the recommendations, but they have acknowledged that many young women are delaying plans to marry and have children due to high costs of education and child-rearing. In February, the Sichuan branch of the NHC announced changes aimed at promoting "long-term and balanced population development."

Despite challenges such as gender power imbalances, societal stigma, and uncertainty over IVF incentives, increasing access to fertility services might have a significant impact on China's demographic issues. Around 300,000 babies are currently born in China via IVF annually, making up about 3% of all newborns. As more Chinese women postpone or give up on having babies, many still desire to become mothers. For them, IVF treatments could be the solution, offering a new avenue to motherhood regardless of marital status.

Sources and References

Reuters:
China weighs giving single women IVF access to stem population decline