The article seeks to critically investigate the National Support Program for Infertile Couples. This program began along with the introduction of the 2006 "First Basic Plan on Low Fertility and the Aging Society" and remains in force to the present (2...
The article seeks to critically investigate the National Support Program for Infertile Couples. This program began along with the introduction of the 2006 "First Basic Plan on Low Fertility and the Aging Society" and remains in force to the present (2015). It is widely believed to have been successful insofar as it has delivered visible results as a means by which to counter low birth rates. What"s more, by providing assisted reproductive technologies (ART)-related financial support, it has allowed infertile couples to defray fertility medicine-related costs. Hence, in certain quarters, it is considered to be a policy that has enabled the realization of health-related rights (i.e. the right to reproduce) and/or the right to the pursuit of happiness. This article seeks to critique three broad aspects of the project. First, the project is a population policy that has not kept up with changes in family values. Even as there was a perception of such changes in family values at the time of the project"s introduction, the project was still premised only upon giving birth-related aid to couples who had unions recognized by the law. Second, though the project"s very implementation has created demand, "those diagnosed as infertile" have become "infertile members of the population" thus glossing over the need for the policy. Lastly, the project has resulted in a meaningful increase in the number of in vitro fertilization (IVF) operations, and this increase has negatively impacted the general health of women and children born as a result of such procedures. In order to resolve these issues, there is a need to shift the provision of aid for ART from a population policy paradigm to a medical welfare paradigm. Policy should not aim to raise birth rates, rather it should aim to improve the health of mothers and their children. Moreover, in the long run, such policies should not target couples (as the members of a particular kind of family), but provide individuals in need with assistance in defraying medical expenses.