MP advocates for gender-neutral fertility leave to support IVF couples
In light of Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) falling to a historic low of 1.05 in 2022, Member of Parliament (MP) Louis Ng suggested introducing fertility leave for couples undergoing In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as part of broader efforts to tackle the nation’s declining birth rates. Ng, who has three children conceived through IVF, described the process as a physically and emotionally taxing journey, emphasising the need for both partners to have support during fertility treatments.
Ng called for gender-neutral fertility leave to support couples, arguing that such a policy would not only help employees but also send a clear message to employers, fostering a shift in workplace attitudes towards fertility-related challenges. He proposed a pilot programme, initially for public servants, to evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Indranee Rajah, acknowledged the decline in TFR and noted that the government has been actively working to support families, including enhancing the Baby Bonus Cash Gift and prioritising younger families in Build-To-Order (BTO) flat applications. In response to Ng’s suggestion, she assured that the government would carefully consider the proposal.
Meanwhile, MP Louis Chua from the Workers’ Party also advocated for longer, gender-neutral parental leave, reflecting a broader push for policies that allow both parents to share childcare responsibilities equally and empower them to make informed choices regarding family and work life.
