Hong Kong mulls over upgrade on reproductive technology services

Here are the targeted areas.

In report, the Steering Committee on Population Policy has heard that the Government will study the feasibility of improving reproductive technology services and increasing the service capacity of public hospitals.

Chaired by Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, the committee's sixth meeting was held today. Members were told there has been a growing demand for reproductive technology services. Public hospitals can only offer limited services due to manpower constraints, and the Government will study the feasibility of improving the services and increasing service capacity.

The committee thought public views in reproductive technology services and other measures for encouraging childbirth should be gauged in the public engagement exercise on population policy next month. 

The meeting noted the total fertility rate has increased from the historic low level of 0.9 children per woman in 2003, to 1.3 in 2012.

Support should be strengthened in areas of child care, education and improving the working environment and culture, in order to help working parents balance work and family life.