Women on the Go: Child-Bearing and Fertility
VIEW EVENT DETAILSMerck-Asia Society Women’s Healthcare Series
Luncheon discussion
With rising education levels, declining marriage rates and long work hours, Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. In 2010, the fertility rate was just 1.1 births per woman, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain the population at its current level. Postponing marriage and childbearing has resulted in a narrow “fertility window,” while the pressures from work and daily life have led to growing reluctance among couples to have children. As women look for equality in the workplace, how has this affected child-bearing? What are the main considerations of couples when planning to have children? How does the fertility rate in Hong Kong compare with other countries? What are the key developments in reproductive technology and assisted reproduction in the treatment of infertility? Panelists will discuss fertility, childbearing and related health issues surrounding working women in Hong Kong.
Dr. Susan Fan, Executive Director, Family Planning Association of Hong Kong
As Executive Director of the Family Planning Association, Dr. Fan has broadened its scope of services from simple family planning and birth control towards a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health service. Dr. Fan serves on numerous government advisory bodies and non-government organizations. She is Honorary Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Fan received her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Hong Kong.
Dr. William So, Specialist in Reproductive Medicine
Dr. So is certified by the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a subspecialist in reproductive medicine. He is currently the Medical Director of the ProlIVFic ART Centre that performs over 500 stimulated cycles of IVF/ET procedures each year. Dr. So helped draft the Human Reproductive Technology Ordinance. He was a member of the Council on Human Reproductive Technology and past president of the Hong Kong Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. So graduated from the University of Hong Kong.
Connie Carnabuci, Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
A Partner at Freshfields, Ms. Carnabuci is involved with its Senior Women Associate Program for Asia, which focuses on development for selected senior female associates. She is a member of the firm’s Asia Diversity Steering Committee, and has spearheaded projects to identify diversity issues within its Asian offices. Ms. Carnabuci has been instrumental in pushing forward the agenda of developing senior women in Asia. She was named as one of the world’s leading patent and technology licensing lawyers by International Asset Management.
Chee-May Chow (moderator)
Ms. Chow began her career in journalism, working for a number of international and local organizations, including the BBC, CNN, CNBC, Reuters, TVB and RTHK. Acquiring a strong interest in historic buildings and architecture during her time in the UK, Ms. Chow pursued her passion in architectural conservation, becoming Chief Manager for the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office. Ms. Chow majored in Law at King’s College London, and has Master’s degrees in Area Studies (China) from London’s School of Oriental and African Studies and Architectural Conservation from the University of Hong Kong.
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