According to the 2023 population statistics from the Ministry of the Interior's Department of Household Registration, the average age of childbirth for women in Taiwan is 32.44 years, which is 1.08 years later than the 31.36 years recorded in 2013. With changes in society and views on marriage and childbearing, in 2023, there were 52,540 women over the age of 34 giving birth, accounting for about 39.24% of the total number of women giving birth. Pregnancy at an advanced maternal age comes with increased risks during pregnancy and childbirth, including higher chances of low birth weight, chromosomal abnormalities, or other congenital defects. Director Wu Zhao-jun of the National Health Administration urges the public to take advantage of the optimal reproductive period (25-35 years for women, before 40 for men), and advises women of advanced maternal age to undergo regular prenatal check-ups and genetic diagnoses to ensure the health of both mother and child.
Up to NT$8,500 subsidy for women of advanced maternal age and those with a family history of genetic disorders
According to data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as women's age increases, the number of eggs decreases, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities rises, which may lead to genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome. Additionally, the older the parents, the higher the risk of their children developing chromosomal abnormalities, autism, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
To encourage high-risk pregnant women to receive prenatal genetic diagnoses, the National Health Administration offers a subsidy of up to NT$5,000 for pregnant women aged 34 and above, and those with a family history of genetic disorders. For low-income households or those living in medically underserved areas, an additional NT$3,500 is provided, making the maximum subsidy NT$8,500. The subsidy is directly deducted from the costs at the prenatal care hospital, encouraging eligible individuals to make use of this benefit.
Government Subsidy for Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis (Photo / Source: National Health Administration Facebook Fan Page)
Comprehensive services provided by Genetic Counseling Centers
In 2023, the government subsidized 32,474 pregnant women to undergo prenatal genetic diagnoses, with 88.4% of them being women over 34 years old, detecting 1,085 abnormal cases. Director Wu Zhao-jun stated that to provide appropriate genetic disease diagnosis and counseling services, 14 medical centers across the country have established Genetic Counseling Centers, offering professional services such as amniocentesis, amniotic fluid analysis, thalassemia screening for pregnant women, and family history consultations.
Pregnant women can consult their obstetricians regarding genetic issues during pregnancy. If there are further questions or abnormal diagnoses, they can refer to the list of Genetic Counseling Centers published by the National Health Administration to address the situation early and ensure the birth of a healthy next generation.
