The legal framework
The Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, Cap. 561, is administered by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology. Reproductive technology procedures may only be carried out by licensed centres, and treatment involving gametes of a third party or the creation of an embryo outside the body is restricted to persons who are parties to a marriage. Sex selection for non-medical reasons is prohibited. Surrogacy is permitted only on a non-commercial basis, through a licensed centre and using the gametes of the commissioning couple.
The marriage requirement is the defining restriction. It means that a single woman in Hong Kong cannot use donor sperm, and although she may freeze eggs, using them is another matter. Travel to Taiwan and elsewhere has become routine as a result.
Waiting lists in the public system are long enough that the practical choice for many couples is private treatment, at a cost comparable to Western Europe. Comparing centres on live birth rate by age band is harder here than in the UK, since reporting is less granular.
Cross-boundary treatment on the mainland is possible but subject to mainland rules, which also restrict treatment to married couples and prohibit egg freezing for non-medical reasons — so it is not a route around the Hong Kong restrictions.
Same-sex couples: assisted reproduction under the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance is reserved to married couples; surrogacy must be non-commercial and is tightly restricted.
Key points
| Ordinance | Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance, Cap. 561 |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Council on Human Reproductive Technology |
| Access | Married couples for treatment involving donation or embryos created outside the body |
| Sex selection | Prohibited for non-medical reasons |
| Surrogacy | Non-commercial only, with the commissioning couple's own gametes |
| Storage | Limits set by the Ordinance and the Code of Practice |
In practice
- Obtain a referral to a licensed reproductive technology centre, public or private.
- Complete the work-up; public hospital waiting times are long, so many patients use the private sector.
- Check eligibility: the marriage requirement applies to a broad range of procedures.
- Sign the statutory consent forms, which cover storage and posthumous use.
- For surrogacy, expect a parental order application after the birth; commercial arrangements are unlawful.
Cost and coverage
A private IVF cycle costs HKD 80,000 to 130,000 including medication. Public hospital treatment is far cheaper for eligible residents but waiting lists are long and the number of cycles limited. Egg freezing costs HKD 60,000 to 100,000 plus annual storage.
Recent changes
Demand has risen while the marriage requirement has remained, prompting continued debate about access for single women, who currently travel to Taiwan, Japan or further afield for egg freezing and treatment.
Where to go
- Licensed reproductive technology centres listed by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology
- Queen Mary Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, the principal public programmes
- Private centres in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Kowloon
- Department of Health, for the Code of Practice
- Patient support organisations attached to the public hospitals
Worth knowing
Arranging a commercial surrogacy, including advertising for one, is an offence under the Ordinance, and the prohibition has been enforced.
Frequently asked questions
Can single women have IVF in Hong Kong?
No. Treatment involving donation or embryos created outside the body is restricted to parties to a marriage.
Is surrogacy allowed?
Only on a non-commercial basis, through a licensed centre and using the commissioning couple's own gametes.
What does a private cycle cost?
HKD 80,000 to 130,000 including medication.
Is sex selection permitted?
No, not for non-medical reasons.
Where is treatment provided?
Only at centres licensed by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology, in both the public and private sectors.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal