Applications to Import Embryos Back to Singapore for Assisted Reproductive Technology Procedures

7 Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Health in the past two years (a) how many applications has the Ministry received to import embryos back to Singapore for Assisted Reproductive Technology procedures; (b) how many of such applications have been successful; and (c) what are the main reasons provided for rejections.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health (Ms Rahayu Mahzam) (for the Minister for Health): Since the process was established in June 2021 to review applications to import embryos back to Singapore for Assisted Reproduction treatment for couples affected by the COVID-19 travel restrictions, MOH has received 62 such applications.

Of these, 59 applications were successful; three were unsuccessful. Three were unsuccessful as they did not meet the regulatory requirements stipulated in the Licensing Terms and Conditions for Assisted Reproduction Services, such as exceeding the allowed egg donor age limit.

Mr Speaker: Mr Louis Ng.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Thank you, Sir. I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the reply. Two clarifications. Can the Parliamentary Secretary share what are the other reasons why there was such a high rate of rejection?

Two, I asked earlier whether MOH can establish a standardised application form so that people can just fill in to apply to import the embryos back to Singapore. I think that will help reduce the stigma of couples undergoing IVF and also reduce the stress. So, a standard application, rather than an appeal which makes them feel like they are begging to import their own embryos back to Singapore.

Ms Rahayu Mahzam: I think the Member for the question. Firstly, I just want to express how I understand the anxieties of the couples going through this process, especially during such times. I know their concerns and the urgency of such situations.

I would just like to highlight though that I mentioned earlier that there were 62 applications in total, 59 were successful. So, it is not really a high rate of rejection and really, the rejection was as a result of not meeting the regulatory requirements stipulated in our licensing terms and conditions for Assisted Reproduction (AR) services. So, that is something that they would need to align with.

In respect of the other point about the standard forms for application, I recall that we had this exchange, about a year back, in relation to this matter and Mr Louis Ng had raised this point about making it convenient and using a standard form. We had taken on board Mr Ng's previous suggestion.

To facilitate the MOH review of the increasing number of appeals at that juncture, MOH developed an online application form, specifically for the purposes of such appeals. A circular was issued on 3 June 2021 to all licensees providing AR services under the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act that set up the conditions for appealing to import gametes or embryos during the COVID-19 travel restrictions and the information that MOH would require the information required to carry out its review. I hope that addresses the Member's query.

10.58 am

Mr Speaker: Order. End of Question Time.

[Pursuant to Standing Order No 22(3), written answers to questions not reached by the end of Question Time are reproduced in the Appendix, unless Members had asked for questions standing in their names to be postponed to a later Sitting day or withdrawn.]