Social egg freezing among Single Women in China: Policy Perceptions, Attitudes, and Influencing Factors

Abstract Objective: To examine the perceptions, attitudes, and influencing factors of single women in China regarding social egg freezing (SEF) and to identify optimal strategies for enhancing the social support system. Design: A cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire. Participants: A total of 1,408 single women with valid responses, recruited from nine cities across China between March and May 2025, representing diverse sociodemographic profiles in terms of age, educational attainment, and income levels. Exposure Variables: Sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of SEF policies, cost tolerance, and perceptions of risks and societal value associated with SEF. Primary Outcome Measures: Attitudes toward SEF, determinants of willingness to undergo SEF, level of policy awareness, and support for regulatory reforms. Results: Favorable attitudes toward SEF were reported by 34.94% of participants. Significant predictors included older age (OR=1.725), higher educational attainment (OR=1.356), increased income (OR=1.091), greater cost tolerance (OR=1.407), and heightened policy awareness (OR=3.305). Additionally, 68.89% of participants supported policy revisions, 89.42% advocated for government subsidies, and 78.62% endorsed the inclusion of SEF in medical insurance coverage. Conclusion: Demographic and socioeconomic factors significantly influence attitudes toward SEF. There is a critical need for policy reforms that balance reproductive autonomy with regulatory oversight, alongside the implementation of robust social support mechanisms.