Criticism is mounting that the National Assembly recommends oriental infertility treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be safe and effective.
Critics point out the unreasonableness of the “Amendment to the Maternal and Child Health Act,” which passed the plenary session of the National Assembly on Tuesday. The amendment allows the state to cover medical expenses for herbal infertility treatments.
"Rather than preventing local governments from wasting taxpayer money on oriental infertility treatments that even promote infertility, the National Assembly passed a law that allows them to waste taxpayer money at the national level," Barun Medicine Institute said Tuesday.
The institute has analyzed the declassified information regarding the herbal fertility treatment support project conducted by local governments from 2017 to 2019. It pointed out that the oriental treatment’s pregnancy success rate is lower than the natural pregnancy rate and is not comparable to assisted reproductive technology in gynecology.
"In the 21st century, the era of cutting-edge science, people are encouraged to choose treatments, the effectiveness and safety of which have not been scientifically verified at all, and the state has made it a law to support them," the organization said. “It is beyond ridiculous and shameful, making Korea an international mockery."
The institute noted that only China and Korea recognize oriental medicine as a treatment worldwide, with most other countries punishing them as an illegal medical practice.
"If herbal fertility treatments were truly effective, all countries would be rushing to adopt them," it added.
It criticized politicians for using taxpayer money for their political gain," emphasizing that applying "proven effective and safe treatments" and expanding support for people struggling with infertility is a "normal solution to the problem."
It added that the government should make it mandatory for all healthcare projects to pass validation of efficacy and safety and establish a thorough management system to prevent politicians from wasting taxpayer money to achieve their political goals.
The Korean Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also issued a statement before the plenary session of the National Assembly. It opposed the amendment but to no avail, pointing out that there is no scientific evidence that herbal fertility treatments have increased pregnancy rates.
"To carry out a project to support herbal fertility treatment centers using national and local budgets, it is necessary to consider the project's effectiveness and scientific basis," the association said. "However, we have not found any research results that prove the effectiveness of 'herbal infertility treatment' from a medical and scientific point of view among domestic and foreign literature."
The amendment passed by the National Assembly has added the central government as the subject of medical support for pregnant women, infants, and premature babies. It allows medical expenses for oriental fertility treatment. Previously, medical support was provided by local governments. The provision to support medical expenses for oriental infertility treatments will take effect six months after promulgation.