Since multiple-embryo transfer is prone to multiple pregnancy, premature births, and low birth weights, the Executive Yuan has expanded the eligibility of IVF subsidies to cover all infertile couples since July 1, 2021. Under the aid of the IVF subsidies, the economic burden of IVF treatment on infertile couples is lightened. It is also encouraged that the number of embryos transferred be reduced. The percentage of singleton live births among subsidized couples’ live births was 87.9%, an increase of 12.2% compared to 75.7% in 2020 when the IVF subsidies were not expanded.

Single Embryo Transfer Has Become an International Trend in Assisted Reproduction

The international trend encourages the reduction in the number of embryos transferred in an IVF cycle. According to the “World Report 2017” published by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART), more than 90% of all embryo transfer cycles in Northern America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and other regions transferred less than 2 embryos. Besides that, single frozen embryo transfer takes up 92.1% of the frozen embryo transfer cycles in New Zealand and Australia. Asia, as the runner-up, has a rate of 77.2%, followed by Northern America, with a rate of 63.6%. In addition, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine encourages women under the age of 35, and patients with more viable embryos, to undertake single embryo transfer. Single embryo transfer has become an international trend in assisted reproduction.

Based on solid evidence, multiple pregnancy is associated with a higher incidence of pregnancy complications, premature births, low birth weights, and fetal deaths. Taking the international trend and authoritative advice from Taiwanese experts in assisted reproductive technology into considerations, subsidized wives under the age of 35 are restricted to transferring one embryo in an IVF cycle, and those between the ages of 36 and 44 are restricted to transferring two embryos in an IVF cycles.

Single Embryo Transfer and Multiple-Embryo Transfer Have Similar Live Birth Rates

According to “The Assisted Reproductive Technology Summary 2020 National Report in Taiwan” statistics on the IVF cycles of nationals with partners’ sperm and egg, the live birth rate for single embryo transfer was 34.8%, and the live birth rate for multiple-embryos transfer was 35.1%. These live birth rates are similar. In addition, from July 1, 2021 to September 25, 2022, couples subsidized have successfully delivered 4,751 babies, of which 87.9% were singleton live births.

The Taiwanese Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses single embryo transfer and the risks of multiple pregnancy on their website. Likewise, the Health Promotion Administration (HPA) calls for single embryo transfer to be undertaken by infertile couples who are receiving IVF treatment, in order to reduce the risks to maternal and newborn health.

Take Advantage of the Best Reproductive Years before 35

Fertility declines with age. The HPA urges couples to make birth plans sooner rather than later. It is recommended that couples who have regular unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year, yet have not conceived a baby, should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. If medical diagnosis shows that IVF treatment is necessary, as long as one person between the couples is a citizen of Taiwan, and the wife is under the age of 45, they are eligible for the IVF subsidies. The application can be made at assisted reproduction institutions contracting with the Health Promotion Administration in Taiwan. The application procedures and related information can be found in the In-Vitro Fertilization Zone on HPA’s official website (https://reurl.cc/zerX07), or call HPA's Assisted Reproduction Consultation hotline 02-25580900 for immediate response.