TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan currently forbids surrogate motherhood, but the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is drafting an amendment to lift the ban, according to the minister of health.
During a meeting of the Legislature's Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee on Wednesday (Nov. 8), Health Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan referred to the provisions regarding surrogate motherhood in the Assisted Reproduction Act that remain prohibited.
The proposed amendment is gradually taking shape, with the Health Promotion Administration, under the MOHW, inviting experts for consultancy, Hsueh noted. "We would include surrogacy in our draft version of the amendment, which adds an option to the table," Hsueh told reporters.
"But if the Legislature still decides not to permit it during the review process, we will respect that decision," the health minister added.
He further shared that the draft amendment has been discussed with various sectors of society. Whether the ban on surrogacy should continue is a matter for the wider public debate.
Health Promotion Administration Director-General Wu Chao-chun also revealed that the amendment is expected to be submitted to the Executive Yuan for approval by the end of 2024.