The ethical implications of social egg freezing

How does reproductive technology influence values and relationships? The Government's ongoing review of egg freezing rules offers a timely opportunity to think about such issues.

ST PHOTO: NEO XIAOBIN
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Currently, egg freezing is permitted only for medical reasons, but some have asked whether it should be allowed for social reasons as well.

This practice of women freezing their eggs for future use due to lifestyle reasons or personal choice - such as focusing on one's career or not having met the right partner - is commonly termed "social egg freezing". If permitted, it might certainly help a number of women who might otherwise not have achieved pregnancy. It would appear to confer greater reproductive choice on women, who can have their healthy eggs "frozen in time" and reclaimed at a later date.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 05, 2019, with the headline The ethical implications of social egg freezing. Subscribe