Remove age limit on IVF treatment? Promote work-life balance instead
To encourage women to conceive, readers say work-life balance should be the focus, instead of scrapping the age limit for in-vitro fertilisation.
This week, the women’s wing of the ruling People’s Action Party said the age restriction of 45 years imposed on women who can turn to in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) to conceive should be scrapped. This will give older women more options when they seek to give birth at a later age, the group said.
In response, some readers argued that the focus should instead be on promoting work-life balance, so that the conditions are conducive for women who wish to conceive. Others supported the call to abolish the age limit, saying women ought to have the freedom to decide when they want to have children.
I understand, but… the focus should be more on reducing the cost of living and promoting a healthier work-life balance. Naturally, they will have more babies. TIMOTHY CHENG
I have gone through IVF. Increasing the age limit is not going to encourage more women to have babies. I was 35 when I underwent the invasive treatment and I was fortunate that it took just one try. The same cannot be said for women above 40 — what’s more, above 45. IVF is an emotionally draining treatment. Now, at 44, as much as I like the idea of having another child, it is the commitment — physical, emotional and financial — that has so far stopped me. Many women have their career paths disrupted while raising kids. Only in their 40s, perhaps, can they finally look forward to career advancements. To have a baby in their 40s and start all over again — maybe not. The focus should be helping those between 25 and 35 years old. This can take the form of time off from work, supporting employers that offer home-office arrangements, closing the gap between the varying standards of kindergartens, better after-school care programmes (relying not just on domestic helpers), and more tax rebates for families with young children. SOFIA PARTZSCH
Sofia Partzsch, I know of many ladies who are still trying even at 40. So, this policy is doable. Why deny others a chance to be a mum, even in their 40s and beyond? Not everybody is lucky to succeed on the first try. I agree with you that the Government should also try to help younger couples, but really, it is not just about kindergartens or after-school care that couples focus on if they need to go through IVF. All they want is to have a child. And the first step is to allow more than just six cycles. CHERYL GOH
I am not sure if removing the age limit will make much of a difference. Not many women have the energy at 45 to think of newborns. Better to encourage them to get married early and try to conceive when they are young. EILEEN TAY
What is the percentage of women who want to give birth at 45? SAHREN KAMIS
Is the women’s wing supporting older women marrying at a later age with super careers? WILLIAM TAY
Ironically, the age limit is to protect the woman and baby. Risks of miscarriage and genetic defects greatly increase after age 40. I am not sure if they are picking the right battles to fight. EDWIN CHUA
What about the welfare of the baby? Women who get pregnant after 35 are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, and the risk increases with age. Is it fair then to subject so many embryos, which some may consider to be lives, to such dangerous gestations? JON LIN
Let the medical experts decide what is best for potential mothers and their babies. NORMARLINA MOHD TAIB
Allow the policy, so that those women who want to do it can at least give it a try. To those who have nothing better to say, who are we to comment or give medical advice? It is already so tough physically to conceive, so why can't you just encourage rather than be sarcastic? GWENDOLYN KUO
As a woman, I support this 100 per cent. Why are we restricted by age? It is our body, our choice, our decision, our freedom. Nobody decides for us. Only women understand this. Scrap this age restriction, Ministry of Health. KHIN KHIN MAUNG
These comments were first posted to TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length.
