TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The head of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) confirmed Monday (Nov. 4) that the details regarding the costs of surrogate motherhood still require deliberation. The MOHW plans to conditionally allow "altruistic surrogacy" under the amended Assisted Reproduction Act (人工生殖法), which they publicized in May.
Health and Welfare Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) emphasized the need for a comprehensive consideration of surrogate mothers' rights, with the Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國民健康署) and experts carefully studying the matter to protect all parties involved.
HPA stated that surrogacy contracts must remain non-commercial, adopting an "altruistic" model. However, intended parents must cover essential living and medical expenses. The administration specified that surrogacy expenses include nutrition, insurance, legal fees, and contract notarization.
An expert meeting led by the HPA recently suggested a monthly stipend of NT$40,000 to NT$50,000, estimating annual nutritional costs at approximately NT$600,000. With additional expenses, the total could reach NT$1 million, which must be deposited into a dedicated escrow account.