DAB lawmaker Nixie Lam on Friday welcomed the government's initiative on lifting the storage period limitation for frozen eggs, sperm or embryos.

The government on Thursday announced it would launch a public consultation on issue.

Speaking on RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme, Lam said many people were starting families later in life which is why an adjustment to current regulations was needed.

"More and more couples are getting married late and planning their families late... and if you look at some of the restrictions to current [regulations] we're having such as this 10-year period, it's pretty much outdated. We do need a full-on upgrade of a lot of the rules and regulations around this to ensure that it fits with current trends."

Lam said easing restrictions on non-married couples or single people, allowing them to use their frozen embryos to start a family, would also help.

"At the moment it might be a little bit tricky, but we do need to do more persuasive discussions in Hong Kong," Lam said.

Medical sector lawmaker David Lam, speaking on an RTHK programme, said the proposed measure was helpful, but people also needed to understand that, if possible, it is better to start a family sooner rather than later.

“We need to let people know that this option is not for everyone, it is a choice for those with a unique problem. It should not become an option for people to delay childbearing. We should have children as early as possible.”

Lam added that pregnancy difficulties and health risks would increase as women get older which was another reason not to delay starting a family.
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Last updated: 2025-03-14 HKT 12:06