Yeongdeungpo District Offers Seamless Maternal and Child Health Services from Pre-Pregnancy to Parenting

Systematic Integration of Pre-Pregnancy Health Management, Infertility Support, and Postnatal Care

On January 7, the Yeongdeungpo District Office in Seoul (Mayor Cho Hogwon) announced that it is operating a maternal and child health model tailored to each stage of life, from preparing for pregnancy to childbirth and parenting, as part of its response to the era of low birth rates. The district is currently running a three-stage, systematic maternal and child health service, which includes pre-pregnancy and early pregnancy health management, support for pregnant women during childbirth, and infant and toddler health management.

Cho Hogwon, Yeongdeungpo District Mayor. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District Office.

Support begins at the pregnancy preparation stage. Women can receive up to 130,000 won for ovarian function tests and gynecological ultrasound examinations, while men can receive up to 50,000 won for semen analysis and other tests. Any resident of Yeongdeungpo District between the ages of 20 and 49 is eligible to apply. For couples experiencing infertility, the district provides financial support for up to 25 procedures, with the amount varying depending on the type of treatment, such as fresh embryo transfer, frozen embryo transfer, or artificial insemination.

Last year, the district drew attention by continuing its 'Pre-Pregnancy Health Management' program with its own budget, even after the central government's funds were depleted early, putting the project at risk of suspension. This proactive response prompted the Ministry of Health and Welfare to allocate additional funding, leading to the nationwide resumption of the program. By providing uninterrupted services to more than 5,000 local young adults, this initiative was selected as an 'Exemplary Case for Local Governments.'

During pregnancy, the district supports basic blood tests, provides folic acid and iron supplements, and offers gestational diabetes screening. After childbirth, the district operates the 'Maternal and Newborn Health Management Support' and the 'Seoul Baby's First Steps Program,' through which health managers and specialized nurses visit families at home. The district also lends breast pumps and provides diapers and infant formula to families with infants and toddlers (aged 0 to 24 months) from low-income households.

The district is also broadly implementing medical support programs, including financial assistance for detailed developmental assessments for infants and toddlers, congenital hearing loss screening, and medical expenses for premature and congenitally ill infants.

The district health center was recognized for these achievements and was the only one among Seoul's 25 districts to be selected as a '2025 Outstanding Maternal and Child Health Institution,' receiving a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare last year.

Mayor Cho Hogwon stated, "We are focusing on providing seamless support to residents from the stage of preparing for pregnancy through childbirth and parenting," adding, "Through practical maternal and child health services, we will make Yeongdeungpo a city where it is easy to raise children."