Ko Wen-je supports euthanasia and surrogacy in Taiwan

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je voiced his support for euthanasia and surrogacy in Taiwan in a press conference on Thursday (Sept. 7) and promised to push for what he believes "to be right" if elected.

In his remark, Ko acknowledged the ongoing controversy surrounding these issues in the nation, but as a former healthcare worker, he saw no reason to oppose them.

Stressing that the government should better address people's struggles, he emphasized the need "to promote what he believes is right by persuading those against (euthanasia and surrogacy in Taiwan)" and "to win majority approval."

Based on his medical career experience, Ko said he has witnessed how seriously ill patients suffered, stressing support for the legalization of euthanasia, saying, "I believe some of them endure lives of immense agony. Why must they endure such misery? It is needless."

Ko also contended that individuals with ovaries but without a uterus should be allowed to have children through surrogacy. He further questioned why the "Artificial Reproduction Act" has "remained stalled in the Legislative Yuan for 19 years."

The press conference, themed "Human Rights Autonomy, Hospice Palliative Care," invited Fu Chun-hao, son of former sports commentator Fu Da-jen, who chose euthanasia, and Chen Chao-Tzu, spokesperson for former president Chen Shui-bian's medical team who advocates for surrogacy, to participate in the discussion.