Expansion of Psychological Counseling Centers for Infertility and Pregnant Women
Eight-Week Nutrition and Exercise Program for Newlyweds and Couples Experiencing Infertility
Broader Public Education and Awareness Initiatives on Infertility
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding its customized support for couples experiencing infertility. In particular, the city has decided to actively provide psychological support, recognizing the significant psychological burden that infertility, pregnancy, and childbirth place on individuals and families.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on September 9, the city will broaden both the eligible users and the programs offered at the psychological counseling centers for infertility and pregnant women, which have been established by region since 2023.
The psychological counseling centers for infertility and pregnant women established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government by region since 2023. Seoul Metropolitan Government
The city first opened the Seoul Regional Psychological Counseling Center for Infertility and Pregnant Women in July 2023, followed by the Southwestern Regional Center in September 2024. Within these two regions, there are four counseling hubs located at Gangnam Severance Hospital, Garden Five in Songpa District, Boramae Hospital, and Geumhwa Building in Geumcheon District.
The centers have established a comprehensive psychological support system, ranging from initial consultations and high-risk group registration counseling to case management, internal and external medical institution referrals, and self-help group and group programs. In 2024 alone, 665 people received a total of 5,944 counseling sessions. Of these, 1,717 sessions were for high-risk group registration counseling. The satisfaction rate was high at 98%. As of July this year, 7,714 counseling sessions have already been conducted, achieving 76.5% of the annual target.
Starting on September 13, a specialized health management program will be launched to support the physical and mental well-being of couples experiencing infertility and newlyweds. This eight-week program combines lectures by experts in various fields such as nutrition, exercise, and mobile health management with couples' group meetings. A mentor who has personally overcome infertility will be matched one-on-one with each participating couple to provide emotional support and practical advice. A total of 50 couples, 25 per session, will be recruited on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted through the website of the Korea Infertility Family Association.
The centers are also preparing educational programs aimed at improving awareness and prevention of infertility, expanding their target audience to newlyweds and working professionals. Expert instructors will visit institutions in person to provide education on infertility prevention, healthy pregnancy preparation, and improving social awareness. Jung Sojin, Director of Health Management at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "Infertility is no longer just a problem for individuals and families, but an important issue that society as a whole must address together," adding, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government will be a reliable partner in reducing the economic burden on couples experiencing infertility and supporting their physical and psychological stability."
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