TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare announced Wednesday (Oct. 9) that the government will send an amendment draft of the Assisted Reproduction Act (人工生殖法) to the Executive Yuan (行政院) by year-end. The proposed amendment, under review since May 14, seeks to expand reproductive rights to same-sex couples, single women, and surrogate mothers.
Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) presented the proposal during a session of the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee (立法院社會福利及衛生環境委員會). He noted that over 600 public opinions were gathered during the 60-day notice period, focusing on regulations ensuring children's best interests and surrogacy guidelines.
Public concerns regarding surrogacy included the need for a clear legal framework to protect surrogate mothers. Chiu highlighted worries about potential exploitation of disadvantaged women and the risk of human trafficking. The minister stressed that experts from various fields have been consulted to address these concerns. He added that legalizing surrogacy would require further discussions and consensus from multiple stakeholders.