Women could be allowed to freeze eggs for decades

WOMEN could freeze their eggs for decades to prevent the pressure of starting a family “too early” as the Government launches a review of the limit.

The storage period is set at a maximum of 10 years, after which families must decide whether to undergo fertility treatment or have their eggs, sperm and embryos destroyed.

The Department of Health and Social Care is asking people whether they feel this should be changed. Eggs stored for medical reasons, such as cancer treatment and premature infertility, can be preserved for up to 55 years.

With technology becoming more advanced, the number of women freezing their eggs has risen dramatically. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of egg freezing cycles increased from 410 to 1,462, a rise of 257 per cent.

Both men and women may freeze their sperm or eggs for non-medical reasons, such as wanting to have children in the future but not having a partner.

A woman has a better chance of a healthy pregnancy if she freezes her eggs in her 20s when her fertility is at its peak. However, the current 10-year limit would then expire in her 30s, which may be too early for some women to start a family. The most common age for women to freeze their eggs is currently 38.

The Government is now launching a public consultation into whether the limit should be changed.

Caroline Dinenage, the minister for care, said: “Every person should be given the best possible opportunity to start a family, which is why it is so important that our laws reflect the latest in technological advancements.

“Although this could affect any one of us, I am particularly concerned by the impact of the current law on women’s reproductive choices. A time limit can often mean women are faced with the heartbreaking decision to destroy their frozen eggs, or feel pressured to have a child before they are ready.

“As the number of people seeking this storage rises, we want to hear from the public about whether the law is fair and proportionate.”

Should the limit be extended, the Government will consider issues of safety, quality and additional demand for storage facilities.

Sally Cheshire, of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, said: “While any change to the 10-year storage limit would be a matter for Parliament, we believe the time is right to consider what a more appropriate storage limit would be that recognises both changes in science and in the way women are considering their fertility.”