EGG Banking ?

Yes.. egg banking is available here in Malaysia! Just read in today's Sunday Times. Egg banks are available in 3 private hospitals in the Klang Valley. The report said that this procedure is merely recommended for women undergoing medical treatment. However in developed countries this is a growing trend for 30 something women to put off their motherhood till they find maybe a perfect husband or for career purposes - climbing the corporate ladder.

According to one consultant obstetrician gynae and fertility specialist, egg freezing offers a woman to preserve their fertility without the pressure of the bilogical clock. How does it work? Eggs can be collected without the woman undergoing ovarian stimulation. The procedure converts the eggs into 'glass' and upon thawing, the egss have a good chance of survival and can be used dor fertility treatment. Now it is even possible to collect immature eggs before freezing them - a procedure called in-vitro maturation (IVM).

This is merely applicable to those woman with medical reasons especially cancer. Most clinicians will not perform eggs freezing for 'social' reasons and is still in the stage of 'debatable'.

Comments from the religious leaders:

Sikh leader - Egg freezing should not be a desirable option.

Christian Federation - Technology is great if it helps the mankind but there must be laws governing such situation in case something goes wrong.

Mufti - In Islam sperm that is used within the marriage is alright. Some single women may claim that they want to freeze their eggs until they are married. But this technology may also allow them to use their eggs even if they never get married.

Hindu Sangam - Any research done for the good of mankind is acceptable. But when ppl misuse it, then we need to take precautionary measures.

Buddhist monk - Its good to enjoy life but if you wait too long to have children you may develop complications during pregnancy. I am also sure no child wants to go to their graduation ceremony with their 'grandparents'. :)

My bits - I think this procedure is merely meant for those women undergoing medical treatment. But this is very subjective. If eggs freezing is 'legally' and 'officially' allowed in Malaysia, those women should be warned on the the possible risks. So those women out there what say you?