The Cabinet says infertile couples under the age of 45 will be eligible for government subsidies for IVF treatment in the future.
Under a subsidy plan passed at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, these couples will get a subsidy of NT$ 100,000 (US$3,300) for their first application. Infertile couples can apply six times, though the subsidies will be lowered to NT$60,000 (US$2,000), for the rest of their applications.
The plan aims to boost Taiwan’s birthrate, and is set to take effect on July 1. According to a CIA prediction, Taiwan’s birthrate will be the world’s lowest this year, at only 1.07.
The government is planning to spend a total of NT$10 billion (US$357 million) to boost the birthrate, including other measures such as paid pre-natal check-ups and a nursery stipend.
It is expected that between 23,000 and 28,000 infertile couples will benefit from the plan.