TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Civil groups reported on Tuesday that nearly 90% of respondents in a recent survey on Taiwan's Assisted Reproduction Act (人工生殖法) found the proposed amendment lacking consideration, with 73% opposing the legalization of surrogacy.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) recently announced plans to amend the Assisted Reproduction Act to include same-sex couples, single women, and surrogate mothers. However, public concerns persist.
The Taiwan Mothers Shield Alliance (台灣全國媽媽護家護兒聯盟), Pro Femina Taiwan (台灣懷孕婦女關懷協會), and Taiwan Women's Life Maintenance Association (台灣婦女維護生命協會) held a press conference to release their survey results.
Chieh Hui-chen (解慧珍), executive director of the Taiwan Women's Life Maintenance Association, pointed to a significant discrepancy between their survey and data from the MOHW and recent medical institutions.
Shan Hsin-ai (單信愛), deputy secretary-general of Taiwan Mothers Shield Alliance, noted that 87.7% of respondents felt the draft amendment failed to fully consider all aspects of the issue. Additionally, 73.6% opposed legalizing surrogacy, and 73.4% disagreed with allowing single women and same-sex couples to use donated sperm and eggs for assisted reproduction.
Shan emphasized the survey's credibility, citing 2,042 effective responses from individuals aged 18 and above across Taiwan's 22 administrative districts, including outlying islands and overseas Taiwanese. The survey ensured one-time participation and excluded respondents under 18 to ensure its reliability.
Chieh highlighted the widespread public concern over the proposed amendment, which many believe does not adequately protect women's and children's rights. She expressed hope that the findings would guide both civil and government sectors in future discussions.
