TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Lawmakers gathered on Thursday (Jan. 8) in Taipei to scrutinize proposed amendments to Taiwan's artificial reproduction laws, with debates intensifying over surrogacy regulations. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部) aims to broaden reproductive rights for single women and same-sex female couples, while also ensuring the well-being of children born through artificial reproduction.
Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) emphasized that the proposed draft does not address surrogacy, citing ongoing societal disagreements. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) legislator Lin Shu-fen (林淑芬) criticized opposition parties for pushing surrogacy with only nine articles, calling for separate legislation. She argued that surrogacy often exploits economically disadvantaged women, lacking adequate protection mechanisms for both surrogates and children.
Lin raised concerns about potential complications, such as custody disputes in cases of divorce or disabilities resulting from birth. Meanwhile, Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) legislator Chen Gau-tzu (陳昭姿) countered, asserting that the proposal includes 15 articles addressing surrogacy, urging lawmakers to review the full content before criticizing it.
DPP Legislator Fan Yun (范雲) warned against using President Lai Ching-te's past endorsements as evidence of support, noting significant global shifts in surrogacy policies, including bans in Europe and India. Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator Chen Ching-hui (陳菁徽) highlighted Taiwan's declining birthrate, urging constructive dialogue without undermining obstetricians' confidence.