Interview by Ida Cheong
Free non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) services were extended on New Year’s Day to pregnant women of all ages who are Macau residents, aiming to safeguard the health of both mothers and foetuses, and further promote optimal birth and child-rearing, according to a statement released by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday.
The statement noted that after an obstetric examination and assessment by a doctor, eligible pregnant women meeting the corresponding gestational age (11 -13 weeks plus 6 days) can receive one free NIPT service through the local prenatal care network, i.e., designated health centres, the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre, or the private Kiang Wu Hospital, which allows pregnant women to receive continuous and consistent prenatal care at their routine healthcare facility.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is a non-invasive chromosomal screening, the statement noted, adding that it only requires a blood sample from the pregnant woman to isolate foetal DNA, enabling accurate detection of whether the foetus has chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome*, or Patau syndrome**. Compared to traditional amniocentesis, this testing service offers advantages of high accuracy, safety, and no risk of miscarriage.
Legislator Grace Wong Kit Cheng, a nurse by profession, told the Post yesterday that the coverage of the free NIPT service has been expanded from originally only pregnant women aged 35 and above to include all age groups, which, she said, was a positive step for optimal birth and child-rearing, adding that before NIPT screening inclusion in the free healthcare service, many expectant mothers paid for the test, and the SSM inclusion of it in free medical services alleviates the financial burden for families with pregnant women under 35.
2025 birth rate drops 22.3 pct
Wong noted that, as of yesterday the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) had not yet confirmed the 2025 birth rate data. However, according to data provided by relevant authorities, the estimated total number of births for last year is around 2,800, compared to 3,607 local newborns in 2024, representing a year-on-year decrease of 22.3 percent, indicating an accelerated period of declining birth rates, Wong added.
Wong pointed out that the government has been gradually strengthening support across financial assistance, maternity leave rights, and assisted reproduction policies, including increasing its birth allowance since 2017, the addition of a child-rearing allowance last year, and creating a dual layer of financial support to reduce child-rearing costs.
Meanwhile, maternity leave has been extended from 56 days to 70 days, with the government covering the salary for the additional 14 days, Wong said, adding that she suggested extending maternity leave to 90 (referencing Macau’s public servant standard) or 98 days (WHO recommendations), and extending paternity leave from five days to two weeks, in order to better support parental duties and protect the rights of working women.
Wong is a member of the Women’s General Association of Macau (widely known as Fu Luen, the short form of its name in Cantonese).
* Edwards syndrome, also known as Trisomy 18, is a severe chromosomal disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 18. This additional genetic material leads to severe developmental delays and life-threatening medical complications. - DeepSeek
** Patau syndrome, also known as Trisomy 13, is a severe genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 13. This extra genetic material disrupts normal development, resulting in multiple, life-threatening medical conditions and severe intellectual disability. -DeepSeek
Lawmaker Wong Kit Cheng poses during yesterday’s Post interview at her office on Rua da Barca. – Photo: Ida Cheong
This handout poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows detailed information about its free non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) services.
