The Scenario of Adoption and Foster Care in Relation to the Reproductive Medicine Practice in Asia

Eriko Shiraishi, Seido Takae, Ahmad Mohd Faizal, Kohei Sugimoto, Aikou Okamoto and Nao Suzuki
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Eriko Shiraishi: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
Seido Takae: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
Ahmad Mohd Faizal: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan
Kohei Sugimoto: Reproduction Center, Dokkyo University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama 343-0816, Japan
Aikou Okamoto: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan
Nao Suzuki: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-9

Abstract: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a hallmark of reproductive medicine. However, the inconclusive outcome leads to marital disharmonies; thus, the choices of gamete donation and surrogacy (GD/S) are often offered. In restricted countries, the child-rearing choice through foster/adoption care is promising, but the uptake remains low. We explore the current reproductive services and adoption scenarios in Asian countries to delineate this issue. The web and literature search using PubMed and Ichushi was conducted in Japanese and English using the keywords “adoption”, “foster care”, “reproductive medicine”, including the interview with the respective Asian clinicians. We found that an established adoption system was seen in China, Malaysia, and the Philippines, mainly due to the restriction of GD/S. Although GD/S were allowed in Thailand, Singapore, and India, the different local affordability of IVF cost led to various adoption system scenarios. Nevertheless, the country’s economic aspect does influence the establishment of adoption care, mainly due to financial support from local government. Otherwise, the significant barrier was the cultural/religious background leading to low adoption rates. We concluded that the adoption option should always be highlighted as an alternative strategy as it synergistically contributes to children’s and infertile couples’ welfare.

Keywords: adoption; foster care; in vitro fertilization; surrogacy; gamete donation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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