TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Profemina Taiwan (台灣懷孕婦女關懷協會) held a press conference on Friday (July 5) to call on the government to address Taiwan's high abortion rate.
Taiwan faces a significant challenge with its high abortion rates, which are approximately six to nine times higher than global averages. The Ministry of Health and Welfare reported about 230,000 abortions annually in 2011, double the number of live births.
Speaking at the press conference, Lin Chao-hsing (林朝興), secretary-general of Profemina Taiwan (台灣懷孕婦女關懷協會), urged the government to address unintended pregnancies. Lin suggests establishing a pregnancy fund, creating an abortion notification system, and appointing case managers for pregnant women.
Hsieh Wen-pin (謝文彬), chairman of Profemina Taiwan, recommended setting up a counseling mechanism for women considering abortions and allocating funds for a pregnancy fund. Hsieh believes these measures could support women facing unplanned pregnancies.
Wei Pei-i (魏佩儀), founder of Safe Place in Singapore, noted that many married women choose abortions due to factors such as timing, work pressure, and existing children. This insight highlights the complex reasons behind abortion decisions.
Lin Yu-hsuan (林宇旋), head of the Maternal and Child Health Division at the Health Promotion Administration, mentioned existing guidelines for abortions and ongoing efforts to monitor high-risk pregnancies. These measures aim to provide better care and support for pregnant women.
Legislator Wang Cheng-hsu (王正旭) pointed out that the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology has long advocated for case managers for pregnant women. This proposal aligns with broader efforts to improve maternal health services and reduce abortion rates.
Taiwan's approach to addressing abortion rates may see significant changes if these recommendations are implemented, potentially offering better support for women facing unplanned pregnancies.