Photo/Illutration The Tokyo metropolitan government building (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Despite receiving nine times more applications than anticipated from women wanting to freeze their eggs, the Tokyo metropolitan government said it will provide all eligible applicants with up to 300,000 yen ($2,000) in subsidies.

As of early March, 2,855 women had applied compared to the initially anticipated 300.

The metropolitan government, which earmarked 100 million yen for the subsidies under the initial fiscal 2023 budget, said it plans to divert financial resources from related programs to cover the costs.

The fiscal 2024 budget proposal includes about 500 million yen.

Officials said they plan to meet the wishes of women who want to expand their life planning options.

Under the subsidy program, which started this fiscal year, a woman can receive up to 200,000 yen for the year she freezes her eggs and 20,000 yen annually for a maximum of five years after the procedure.

Women who live in Tokyo between the ages of 18 and 39 are eligible.

Officials said the egg-freezing subsidy program, the first among prefectural-level governments, is aimed at addressing the declining birthrate.

The program subsidizes egg freezing designed to postpone pregnancy until women feel they have a more conducive environment for childbirth and child-rearing.

A woman’s egg count diminishes as she ages, and the quality of the eggs also deteriorates.

In principle, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises women against freezing their eggs except for therapeutic purposes.

It cites potential health hazards and risks associated with giving birth at a relatively advanced age.

Women are required to attend a briefing session before applying for the program to receive explanations about such issues.

There were 9,106 women who have attended or applied to attend a briefing session as of March 4.

Those between the ages of 35 and 39 accounted for about 53 percent, according to the metropolitan government, including the 2,855 who have already applied for the program. 

About 38 percent were in the 30-34 age group and about 9 percent were in the 25-29 age group.

By the end of February, 93 briefing sessions had been held, and 7,010 women had attended.

Metropolitan officials said 716 women have undergone an egg-freezing procedure and completed all application procedures.

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