Shipping of pre-implantation genetically screened embryos stored overseas

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang
MP for Nee Soon GRC

Question No. 799

To ask the Minister for Health whether couples who have pre-implantation genetically screened embryos stored overseas can have their embryos shipped to Singapore given current travel restrictions during the pandemic.

Answer

                 During the pandemic, the Ministry of Health received appeals from some couples to import their pre-implantation genetically screened embryos stored overseas.

2.               In reviewing each appeal, the Ministry considered whether processes and standards employed by overseas assisted reproduction (AR) centres are aligned to Singapore’s regulatory requirements under the Licensing Terms and Conditions for AR Services (“AR LTCs”). The Ministry may on an exceptional basis allow importation of the embryos, subject to conditions. These conditions include (i) declaration by the overseas AR centre that the relevant requirements under the AR LTCs, including the handling, processing and storage of the embryos, are adhered to; (ii) that no other findings besides the presence or absence of chromosomal aberrations are reported, and (iii) proper documentation of the screening test results that were provided to the patient and attending physician in our local AR centres.

3.               Local AR centres which receive the tested embryos must also continue to ensure compliance with the AR LTCs.