Implications for policy
ART has been successfully implemented in mainland China during the past
30 years. Data in 2016, from the first registry report from China showed
that more than 300 000 infants born after ART accounting for 1.69% of
the total number of children in the same year.2 Twin
delivery rate after IVF/ICSI in Chins have begun to decline slowly but
remain at approximately 27.2~27.9%, which are still far
from satisfactory.2
Single embryo transfer with cryopreservation is becoming a more widely
accepted strategy in reducing multiples. Highest rates of adoption of
eSET were reported from Sweden (69.4%), Australia (56.9%), Finland
(49.7%) and Belgium (48.0%).37Whereas China has
lagged behind in adoption of SET, which was less than 40% in
2017.38 During the study periods, it seems that
despite the rate of eSBT in women ≥ 36 years increased gradually and
steadily a stable live birth rate has been maintained. For many older
infertile patients, the fear of lowering their chance to be pregnant may
outweigh concerns regarding the adverse outcomes of multiple
births.39 This information could influence on these
patients’ belief and encourage more couples to move voluntarily to eSBT.