Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses the sharp increase of IVF treatments following the policy of subsidies for IVF in South Korea. This policy was a result of the negotiations between the interests of Childless couples and the responsible government ministry. These two actors now face some unwanted consequences.

Paper long abstract:

Of late, the utilization of ART, in particular in vitro Fertilization (IVF), has been on the rise in South Korea. This increase is due to the so-called "low fertility response" policies adopted by the government, which subsidizes access to a range of ART such as IVF and IUI. The policy has also been benchmarked by the Taiwanese government.

The policy was a result of negotiations between the interests of those targeted (childless couples) and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. But these two actors now face some unforeseen and unwanted consequences: increases in the negative health index of infants (low birth weight and preterm delivery) and women, as well as an increased strain on the National Health Insurance system. Clinicians, of course, welcome the commercial revival that the policy has brought, but have done little to engage either in self-regulation in order to reduce multiple pregnancies, or inform their clients of the dangers involved with the procedures.

IVF's utilization as an instrument of population policy has led to a fetishization of numbers and concern for the welfare of recipients have been given scant attention. Indeed, while the present generation may have realized the "right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress", this is threatening the rights of the next generation. With IVF treatments on the rise, repeated failures have led many to make use of donated eggs or IVF surrogates. This threatens the poorly regulated IVF. I'll examine these issues by analyzing the documents and interviews with the main agents.