Test Tube Baby Boom: More Chinese going abroad for IVF treatment

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China has seen a big increase in the number of people turning to in-vitro fertilization, or IVF treatment, trying to conceive a baby over the past few years, especially since the easing of the One-Child policy. Overseas fertility clinics have also noticed the trend, and are trying to lure more clients from the fast-growing market. CGTN's Yang Jinghao has more.

For families struggling to have babies, IVF technology is one source of hope. And lately, a growing number of Chinese couples are turning to overseas clinics for help. They include Mr. Huang and his wife.

MR. HUANG BEIJING RESIDENT "We tried in a Beijing hospital first but failed. It was so crowded there, and I think the environment was not that good for females. Then we went to Thailand, where the technology is more mature, for another try."

The couple are now the proud parents of a one-year-old girl. And they're not alone in their experiences of going overseas for IVF treatment. Countries like Thailand, the US and even Russia, are now some of the most popular destinations for Chinese women attempting to conceive.

MAI LIANG, GENERAL MANAGER CHINESE MARKET OF THAIYUE HEALTHCARE "The IVF market in Thailand has seen rapid growth. We predict the number of Chinese clients to increase by about 40 percent this year. As for our company, the business volume doubles every year."

MARGARITA MESHCHERIYAKOVA, SALESWOMAN ALTRAVITA IVF CLINIC, RUSSIA "We're seeing more and more Chinese clients. I think they will outnumber those from other countries soon. At the moment, we only have two interpreters for them, but we will have three more in a few months."

These industry insiders say the easing of China's decades-long one-child policy has greatly stimulated demand. Clients are mainly couples who want another child but of a different sex or have fertility problems. There are also some special groups, such as homosexuals.

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "In fact, the growing overseas market reflects the insufficiency of such fertility institutions across China. For many treatment seekers, they would rather pay more to enjoy more advanced technologies and better services."

MAI LIANG, GENERAL MANAGER CHINESE MARKET OF THAIYUE HEALTHCARE "There are far from enough qualified fertility centers in China, due to related polices. There are about 60 clinics equipped with third-generation technology in Bangkok, while the number in all of China is just 30."

The latest industry report says Chinese patients spent over a billion US dollars on overseas fertility treatment in 2016, and the amount continues to grow. As investors discover the lucrative market, more money begins to pour in, which is sure to create more fierce competition in the years to come. Yang Jinghao, CGTN, Sichuan Province.