The ASPIRE 4th Regional Meeting, in collaboration with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with the theme "Asia Pacific Congress on Fertility Preservation (APCFP) 2026" held in September attracted 300 delegates across a wide range of medical and scientific disciplines to exchange valuable knowledge and learn about cutting edge developments in the field.

It featured a comprehensive and compelling program with expert speakers addressing tropics that resonated with professionals working in reproductive medicine, haematology and oncology along with researchers, fertility nurses and counsellors.

Professor Kate Stern, Chairperson of the ASPIRE Fertility Preservation Special Interest Group, said the meeting was a showcase of clinical and scientific advancement in the field throughout the Asia Pacific region.

“It spectacularly raised awareness of fertility preservation and the fact that many of us care for young people affected by cancers and other serious diseases that may impact on their fertility and future opportunities to have a family,” she said.

“The scientific and clinical breakthroughs emerging in oncofertility have far reaching implications not only in terms of preserving the fertility of young cancer patients, but also for advancing all aspects of reproductive care.

“The field is advancing in leaps and bounds through ASPIRE’s strong collaboration and connections that were highlighted at the Congress by President, Dr Haroon Latif, as a key element of the Society’s growing stature on the world stage.

“The Congress further demonstrated that ASPIRE is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with in our field.”

Professor Stern highlighted the outstanding contribution of Associate Professor Jacqueline Chung, Co-Chairperson of the ASPIRE Fertility Preservation SIG, for her organisational expertise and commitment to the success of the Congress.  

Associate Professor Chung said the program covered a wide range of topics including fertility preservation, embryology laboratory, clinical psychology, paediatric and adolescent gynaecology, oncology, male infertility and endoscopy. 

“This holistic approach enabled attendees to engage with leading experts, exchange knowledge and learn with the chance to network with like-minded professionals from across the Asia Pacific region. “It was immensely rewarding to come together to shape the future of fertility preservation and make a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals.”

Fertility rates are declining in nearly every country with notable exceptions in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Interestingly, research (Eisenberg et al, 2021) in the United States has demonstrated that while fertility rates in that country are in decline, biological fecundity – meaning the physiological ability to conceive among reproductive age women in the general population – has remained relatively stable. 

On a global scale falling total fertility rates are primarily the result of socio-economic factors and the growing number of women in the workforce.

A study by C. Goldin (Goldin, 2006) highlighted that engagement of women in the workplace exposed many to a dual burden.  On one side, they had tasks for work for which they were paid, and on the other side they were left with domestic duties for which they were not compensated.  

Goldin emphasised that fertility rates had more profoundly dropped in southern European countries where men’s involvement at home was limited.  Conversely, total fertility rates remained higher in Nordic countries where men were typically more involved in domestic tasks.  

In her book Father Time, American anthropologist and primatologist, Sarah Blaffer Hrdy, highlights the benefits that men encounter when being involved in infant care.  These include hormonal elevations that control well-being and pleasure.

Enacting paid parental leave for fathers and mothers encourages the involvement of men in infant care.  

In all, we believe the current fertility decline is not necessarily bound to be definitive.  Indeed, there is hope that the The Time of Men will bring a resurgence in natality (de Ziegler et al, 2026).

References

de Ziegler D, Sean S, Toner JP. ‘The Time of Men: Can their involvement in the domestic sphere revive birth rates?’ Fertil Steril. 2026.

Eisenberg ML, Thoma ME, Li S, McLain AC. ‘Trends in time-to-pregnancy in the USA: 2002 to 2017’. Human Reproduction. 2021;36(8):2331–8.

Goldin C. ‘The quiet revolution that transformed women's employment, education, and family’. American Economic Review. 2006;96(2):1–21.

I am delighted to share the latest developments in reproductive medicine in Hong Kong, a period marked by significant strides in public policy and clinical accessibility. 

The most transformative update in our field is the Government’s proactive measures supporting family planning to address the city's demographic challenges. 

The successful implementation of the Assisted Reproductive Services tax deduction, which allows couples to claim up to HK$100,000 (about US$12,800) annually for IVF and related treatments, has substantially alleviated the financial burden on our patients. 

This landmark policy has driven a notable increase in clinical consultations and fostered a more open, supportive societal dialogue surrounding infertility.

Dr David Y. L. Chan
ASPIRE Country Representative for Hong Kong