Japan fertility cases rise as insurance limits bite

Public cover allows up to 6 embryo transfers for women starting before age 40.

Multiple pregnancies resulting from fertility treatment in Japan reached a record 4,354 cases in 2023, according to a recent study by Toho University, reported Japan Today.

The figure represents a 36% increase from 2022, the year Japan made assisted reproductive technology eligible for public health insurance coverage.

Researchers suggest the rise is driven by patients choosing to transfer multiple embryos at once. 

They believe patients are attempting to increase their chances of pregnancy before exhausting the limited number of treatment cycles covered by public insurance.

Japan's public health insurance system covers up to six embryo transfers for women who begin treatment under the age of 40, and up to three transfers for women aged 40 to 42. 

Following the introduction of this policy, the study noted a particular increase in multiple embryo transfers amongst patients aged 41 and older.

Multiple pregnancies, such as twins and triplets, carry higher risks of medical complications for pregnant women.