Äggnedfrysning controversial benefit – Göteborgs-Posten

Äggnedfrysning as a fringe benefit has recently been introduced at several Swedish companies.

Proponents see it as a chance for women to pursue careers without sacrificing to have children.

The critics as a cynical game from the employer to attract women to the company.

Consider the following scenario: On a job interview goes the prospective boss through which benefits are included. There are fitness programs, leasing car and moreover – freezing your eggs. That as part of the employees to focus on their careers and later in life become pregnant.

The Surreal? It’s since November perfectly conceivable as a benefit even in Sweden.

– Some of our customers requested äggfrysning and we examined the possibility We have received eight orders since November and the forecast is 50 this year, says August von Sydow, benefit expert on Benify in Stockholm.

Also read: Tax Agency: Frozen eggs okay as fringe benefits

The company helps other companies to administer various perks. Although it has gone a short time Benify already received a number of inquiries from various companies throughout Sweden.

– This is expensive treatments and for the employee, it is a pretty big financial gain depending on what she earns, says August von Sydow.

Expensive treatments

TT has sought representatives of the companies who have chosen to exploit wage privilege but nobody wants to set up an interview.

Also read: Mary: “For me äggfrysning of equality”

It is a controversial subject from the ethical perspective. As Facebook and Apple in USA offer corresponding to 180 000 in compensation for a similar benefit has greatly challenged. Critics highlight it as a cynical way by the employer to let the woman defer family to work in the company. Moreover, there is no guarantee whatsoever that it really becomes a successful pregnancy once the eggs should be used.

Enlarged ovaries

Outi Hovatta is a professor at the Unit for obstetrics and gynecology at the Karolinska Institute and the country’s foremost in the field.

– You have not seen any long term side effects of the treatment. In the short term, however, the stimulation can lead to disturbances in fluid balance, enlarged ovaries may bleed and cause intense pain. There is a balance between getting enough eggs and not to cause too strong stimulation, she says.

Read also: Social freezing gives women the opportunity to save unfertilized egg for the future

TT: What are you thinking about reading now offered as a benefit?

– It is not easy. If a woman wants to freeze their eggs and it is her choice, it is okay. It is the employer who proposes freezing, a young woman easily get thoughts like “now likes the employer is not that I have children at this age is best for me.” The Nordic countries, especially Sweden has the good laws to protect women who become pregnant. I think that these American habits are not entirely suitable for Europe. – They should learn from us instead.