The success rate of test-tube babies is unlikely to be as high as is claimed in overseas markets, including developed countries.

Chinese couples in advanced age or with impaired fertility are showing no hesitation to take advantage of the country's newly loosened family-planning policies.

One solution is the use of test-tube babies in overseas markets which has been touted by domestic agencies as having a success rate as high as 80 percent. However, experts in the sector are dubious of the high percentage.

Pregnancy rates in couples in which both partners are below 35 is approximately 63.2 percent with fresh embryo transfers, while for couples between 38 and 40, the chances may reduce to 50 percent in the same conditions, said Cai Qiang, CEO of Saint Lucia Consulting, a Chinese agency for the provision of overseas medical services information. The consulting firm has partnered with the Cleveland Clinic, one of the famed comprehensive hospitals in Ohio, the United States.

Infertility has affected about one eighth of couples throughout China in recent years, a figure about 10 times higher than the infertility rate some four decades ago. However, test-tube babies only show a 30 percent success in domestic hospitals, which forces families in advanced age to seek help from overseas hospitals.

In addition to the low success rates of test-tube babies, couples flocking to overseas hospitals to pre-select the gender of embryos are seen as counteracting the rules of domestic hospitals.

Cai said agencies in countries dealing with intermediate services between customers and hospitals should not always cater to the demands of their clients by neglecting rules of other countries or taking advantage of the loopholes in the rules.

For example, it is officially forbidden in Thailand for the distinction of baby genders during the 10- month pregnancy. And the regulations in the Untie States vary depending on the state.

But following traditional medical ethics, it is healthy conditions rather than genders that decide the selection of fertilized eggs, Cai said.

"To unconditionally cater for the demands of the customers may not be for the best of their interests. As a medical agency, we should emphasize the safety and health of both mothers and babies," the CEO said.

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