With the increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the expansion of health insurance coverage and support for treatment costs, human reproduction is changing rapidly. Visualization of the process of treating germ cells and embryos in vitro and the physical and temporal separation of germ cell collection, embryo generation, implantation, and birth are expanding the possibilities and scope of planning or control over reproduction. Within this context, the freezing of germ cells to preserve fertility has also been increasing, a trend that is likely to continue since the preservation of fertility is now seen more as a lifestyle choice than a medically necessary procedure. However, the storage of oocytes for non-medical purposes is ultimately a source of artificial infertility as it presupposes medical pregnancy and birth using ART. Therefore, it is important to examine the current status and consequences of egg fertility preservation and to prepare appropriate management measures and guidelines. Management measures include the sharing of information transparently, including information on the uncertainties with ART technology, the promotion of careful decision-making procedures based on autonomy, and the establishment of monitoring systems. The guidelines should be aimed at securing the autonomy and safety of the parties involved in these procedures. In addition, the introduction of ART for non-medical purposes calls for discussions on the targets of reproductive cell collection and utilization, the various actors in future pregnancies and childbirths, new predictions about reproduction, and appropriate preparation or management measures. Taking cultural perceptions and public opinion into account, this article explains how and why current laws and policies related to ART should be improved.

Bioethics and Safety Act, oocyte cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation, medical reproductive cell storage, non-medical reproductive cell storage