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.