China's policy banning single women from freezing their eggs for a future date when they are ready to have children, is causing public outcry.

The law, which is not new, also bans married women from freezing their eggs. They can only do so in special circumstances, e.g. when seriously sick.

Like Us on Facebook

The national debate went viral after state media China's Central Television (CCTV) aired a rebuttal to counter an interview with famous Chinese actress Xu Jinglei. Xu had revealed that she froze her eggs in America because the procedure was banned in China.

Xu said she went to America to get nine of her eggs frozen in 2013, when she was 39. Now 41, the actress says her only regret is not having a child sooner.

CCTV explained that China banned single women from freezing their eggs because of the dangers associated with the procedure. The ban is said to be "in accordance with family planning policies." The report added that Beijing bans single women from using all "human-assisted reproductive technology or related surgeries."

"Some hospitals allow single women to freeze their eggs, but when she wants to use them she needs to bring three official documents her government I.D., marriage license, and official permission to give birth, " CCTV explained on Weibo.

On Sunday, CCTV's report triggered a backlash of comments on social media. Many, especially young women, questioned why the government should have a say on what they do with their eggs.

Some commentators, however, saw merit in the government's stand; explaining the importance of children growing a in home with both parents.

There were some who argued that why should the government restrict women from freezing their eggs when men can donate sperm legally with fewer restrictions.

Chinese state media has argued that the ban is meant to fight a rising black market sale in eggs.

TagsChina Women Freezing Eggs Ban, Xu Jinglei, China Birth Control, China Egg-Freezing Ban