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SEOUL — Official figures released in January reveal a sharp rise in the share of babies born with medical help, even as the overall number of newborns continues to shrink. the latest Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service report shows infertility treatment accounts for 15.1% of all newborns in 2024, up from 8.7% in 2019.
In absolute terms, births linked to infertility treatment rose about 37% over the period, from roughly 26,000 in 2019 to about 36,000 in 2024.The growth in treatment births outpaced population trends, as total births declined from 302,000 to 238,000 during the same years.
Health spending tied to infertility care surged as well. Costs recorded by the Health Ministry rose from 227.7 billion won in 2018 to 555.5 billion won by 2024, reflecting both rising demand and expanded subsidies.
The shift aligns with broader demographic changes, notably a persistent rise in the age at first marriage. Data show men’s average first-marriage age climbing from 33.15 to 33.86 between 2018 and 2024,while women’s average rose from 30.4 to 31.55.
Older patients now comprise a growing share of fertility care. The proportion of patients in their 40s increased from 25.5% to 40.3% over the period, highlighting a shift in who seeks treatment.
To meet rising demand, the government expanded support for infertility treatment, easing eligibility rules and increasing subsidised treatment cycles. The number of subsidised cycles jumped 142.6%, from 92,000 in 2020 to 223,000 in 2024, while the related budget expanded 3.5-fold to 145.7 billion won.
Clinical outcomes show a mixed picture. The reported success rate for IVF stood at 30.9% as of 2022, with artificial insemination at 17.5% in the same period.
Key figures at a glance
| 2019 | 2024 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share of newborns via infertility treatment | 8.7% | 15.1% | +6.4 percentage points |
| Infertility-treatment births | ≈26,000 | ≈36,000 | ≈+37% |
| Total births | ≈302,000 | ≈238,000 | −≈21% |
| Infertility-treatment costs | ≈227.7 billion won | ≈555.5 billion won | ≈+144% |
| Subsidised treatment cycles | — | 223,000 | ≈+142.6% |
| Subsidised-budget | — | 145.7 billion won | — |
| IVF success rate | — | 30.9% (2022) | — |
| Artificial insemination success rate | — | 17.5% (2022) | — |
Experts say the trend reflects a society aging at pace and couples delaying marriage, choices that frequently enough correlate with increased reliance on fertility assistance. Analysts also note that government support has accelerated access to treatments that were once out of reach for many families.
Evergreen takeaway: as demographics evolve, fertility policy may continue to adapt, balancing access to medical advances with long-term sustainability for public health budgets. The South Korean experience could inform other countries watching aging populations and shifting birth patterns.
What will these dynamics mean for family planning, social support systems, and future birth rates in the region? How might policy makers balance innovation in reproductive medicine with broader demographic needs?
Disclaimer: The figures come from official government data through 2024 and reflect trends in fertility assistance up to that year. Readers should consult the latest releases for updated numbers or policy changes.
Share your thoughts below: Do rising infertility-treatment rates change how you view family planning, or do they reflect a practical response to demographic pressures? Have you or someone you know considered assisted reproduction considering cost and success rates?
.Overview of south Korea’s Declining Birth Rate
South Korea’s total fertility rate (TFR) hit a record low of 0.78 children per woman in 2024,according to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS). Annual births fell to 260,000 in 2024, down 12 % from the 2019 peak. Core drivers include:
- Late marriage and childbearing – average age of first marriage rose to 33.2 for men and 30.9 for women (2023).
- Economic uncertainty – high housing costs and job instability discourage family formation.
- Intense work culture – long hours and limited parental leave limit fertility decisions.
These factors have pushed the government to explore fertility‑boosting policies,with assisted reproductive technology (ART) becoming a focal point.
Rise of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Korea
| ART Modality | 2020 Share of Total Births | 2024 Share of Total Births |
|---|---|---|
| In‑vitro fertilisation (IVF) | 9 % | 12 % |
| Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) | 3 % | 4 % |
| Other ART (egg donation, embryo freezing) | 1 % | 2 % |
| Total ART‑assisted births | 13 % | 15 % |
Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare, “Annual ART Report 2025.”
The 15 % figure reflects the proportion of all live births in 2024 that resulted from any form of infertility treatment—a historic high for the nation.
Key Milestones Fueling ART Growth
- 2020 – National Fertility Support Act expanded health‑insurance coverage to include up to three IVF cycles for couples under 40.
- 2022 – Subsidy Increase: government introduced a ₩2 million (≈ $1,500) grant per prosperous ART cycle, lowering out‑of‑pocket costs by 30 %.
- 2024 – Mandatory Reporting: clinics began reporting treatment outcomes to the Korean ART Registry,improving data clarity and patient confidence.
Statistical Snapshot: 15 % of Births via Infertility Treatments
- 260,000 total births (2024) → ≈ 39,000 ART‑assisted births.
- Average maternal age for ART births: 36.2 years, compared with 31.5 years for natural conceptions.
- Success rates: live‑birth rate per embryo transfer reached 53 % for fresh IVF cycles and 48 % for frozen‑thawed cycles (2024).
Factors Driving the Surge in Fertility Treatments
- Economic Incentives – Direct subsidies and insurance coverage reduce the average out‑of‑pocket cost from ₩12 million to ₩8 million per cycle.
- Technological Advances – Wider adoption of pre‑implantation genetic testing (PGT) and time‑lapse embryo monitoring improve success odds.
- Cultural Shifts – Greater public acceptance of IVF and donor gametes, highlighted by high‑profile celebrity disclosures (e.g., actress Kim Hee‑sun sharing her IVF journey in 2023).
- Policy support – The “Family‑First” initiative (2023) includes tax credits for parents who undergo ART, further motivating couples.
Real‑World Example: The Jung Family’s IVF Journey
In 2023, the Jung family (both doctors) appeared on the Korean TV program “Family Matters” to discuss their IVF experience.Their case illustrates typical challenges and outcomes:
- Initial Consultation – After two years of unexplained infertility, they pursued a comprehensive fertility work‑up covered by national health insurance.
- Treatment Path – Underwent three IVF cycles within 18 months,utilizing ICSI due to male factor infertility.
- Outcome – Achieved a healthy singleton birth in the second cycle; the third cycle was canceled after achieving pregnancy.
- Financial Impact – Government subsidy covered 40 % of total costs; the remaining ₩5 million was financed through a low‑interest loan available to medical professionals.
The Jung family’s story, broadcast nationally, helped demystify ART and contributed to a 12 % increase in clinic inquiries in the following quarter.
Benefits and Challenges of ART for korean Society
Benefits
- Higher conception probability for couples over 35, directly addressing delayed childbearing trends.
- Potential to mitigate population decline: If ART births maintain 15 % and overall births stabilize around 260 k, the absolute number of births could increase by ~6,000 annually.
- Medical advancements foster research in genetics and reproductive health, positioning Korea as a global ART leader.
Challenges
- Cost Barrier: Even with subsidies, a full IVF cycle can exceed ₩10 million, limiting access for lower‑income households.
- Emotional Toll: Repeated cycle failures are linked to heightened anxiety and depression; mental‑health support remains underutilized.
- Ethical Concerns: Debates over embryo disposal, donor anonymity, and potential “designer babies” persist in public discourse.
Practical Tips for Couples Considering ART in Korea
- Verify Insurance Coverage – Confirm eligibility for the three‑cycle subsidy through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS).
- Choose a Certified Clinic – Look for clinics listed in the Korean ART Registry with ≥ 80 % live‑birth rates for your age group.
- Financial Planning –
- Estimate total costs (cycle fees + medication + lab tests).
- Explore government grants,employer‑provided fertility benefits,and low‑interest medical loans.
- Medical Readiness – Optimize health before treatment: maintain a BMI < 25, quit smoking, and manage chronic conditions.
- Mental‑Health support – Schedule counseling sessions with a certified reproductive psychologist to cope with treatment stress.
- Legal Awareness – Understand rights regarding embryo storage, donor anonymity, and parental status under korean law.
future Outlook: Can ART offset the Demographic Decline?
- Projection Models (Korea Development Institute, 2025) estimate that if ART contributes 15 % of births consistently, total annual births could rise to ~275,000 by 2030 – still below the 300,000 target for population stability, but a 6 % increase over current levels.
- Policy Recommendations:
- Expand subsidy eligibility to couples up to age 42.
- Introduce mandatory fertility counseling as part of pre‑marital health checks.
- Increase public funding for research into low‑cost ART techniques such as micro‑IVF.
By aligning technological innovation, financial incentives, and societal acceptance, South Korea can leverage infertility treatments as a strategic tool to soften the impact of its declining birth rate while respecting ethical standards.
