Lu Weiying, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, brings forward proposals focusing on achieving high-quality population development, as well as boosting fertility and fertility preservation in China during this year's two sessions.

The two sessions are the annual gatherings of the National People's Congress and the CPPCC National Committee, the nation's top legislature. With over 27 years of experience as a reproductive specialist in South China's Hainan province, Lu has seen the rapid development of reproductive medicine in the region. "Hainan's assisted reproductive technology has become advanced, making it one of the few types of technology in Hainan's medical industry to be exported," the 59-year-old doctor said.

A key challenge for population development in China, she said, is that many Chinese are marrying later and delaying childbearing, or not marrying at all, resulting in a decline in fertility rates.

The number of marriages in China has declined for nine consecutive years since 2013, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. The NBS announced early last year that in 2022, China experienced its first negative population growth in 61 years.

Lu suggested including assisted reproduction in medical insurance.

"Beijing and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region have already implemented measures to make this a reality, and I believe Hainan will follow suit in the near future," she said.

"As China focuses on promoting the popularization of childbearing at a younger age, it is equally crucial to consider the needs of those who may not be in a position to start a family at the traditional childbearing age," she added.

In response, Lu proposed exploring the feasibility of allowing egg freezing for single women in an orderly manner and establishing egg banks to retain future fertility options. "Egg freezing can provide single women with the option to preserve their fertility and retain the ability to plan for their future families while also enjoying the freedom to explore relationships without the pressure of a ticking biological clock," Lu said.

She noted that women who choose to freeze their eggs before age 35 often have better success rates with the process.

Lu said her ultimate goal is not to simply receive more patients, but rather to empower individuals to realize their dreams of having healthy children without the need for extensive medical intervention. This vision has prompted her to devote time to social work that promotes education, awareness and support within communities.

Since 2019, Lu has championed activities at free clinics throughout Hainan every month. By establishing a network of 18 groups consisting of medical workers across the province, she has provided an avenue for grassroots doctors to enhance their expertise and has demonstrated that she is driven to promote women's health.

"We carry out free diagnoses that allow locals to enjoy high-quality medical resources at their doorstep, and also encourage medical staff to remain at the grassroots level," she said.

Since December 2021, Lu and her colleagues at the reproductive medicine center at the Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center also livestream fertility-related information on WeChat every weekday at 8 pm. This initiative has served as a crucial avenue for patients to gain a comprehensive understanding of infertility and learn preventive measures.

The broadcast room also provides a safe space for patients to anonymously engage in discussions, seek clarification on medical visits and address any concerns they may have. "Our team prioritizes patient privacy, ensuring that online interactions maintain anonymity to safeguard sensitive information," Lu said.

As a CPPCC member, Lu is committed to raising awareness about fertility and promoting the implementation of pro-fertility policies. "My aim is to empower and assist more individuals in their journeys to conceive and bring healthy children into the world," she said.

chenbowen@chinadaily.com.cn