**Rising Demand for Fertility Treatments Amid South Korea's Declining Birth Rate**

In South Korea, the nation with the world’s lowest birth rate, a surprising surge in demand for fertility treatments is taking place, highlighting shifts in societal attitudes towards parenthood. Starting her IVF journey in November, 36-year-old Kim Mi-ae has experienced long waits at her fertility clinic, which reported an almost 50% increase in treatments from 2018 to 2022. In recent years, about one in six babies in Seoul were conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology.

Experts attribute this boom to changing perspectives among younger generations, who are actively seeking to manage their family planning. Though South Korea's birth rate plummeted to a mere 0.72 births per woman in 2023, recent data indicated a slight increase to 0.75 in 2024, raising cautious optimism among policymakers. As societal and financial pressures continue to dissuade many from starting families, these trends shed light on women's desires to conceive despite the challenges they face.

Access to fertility treatments has become a necessity for many, with government subsidies supporting costs. Still, high out-of-pocket expenses add strain. As cultural and workplace pressures loom over women's fertility journeys, many continue to dream of parenthood amidst financial uncertainties.

Despite the hardships, stories of hope persist—like those of women striving for their families against all odds, illustrating a resilient spirit in the face of South Korea's ongoing demographic crisis.