TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛生福利部) announced Monday (Dec. 2) its decision to separate surrogacy issues from the Assisted Reproduction Act (人工生殖法) due to ongoing controversies. Director General Wu Chao-chun (吳昭軍) of the Health Promotion Administration (國民健康署) stated that the ministry plans to address areas of social consensus, such as single women and lesbian couples while handling the contentious surrogacy topic separately.
Wu noted that over 600 opinions were collected during the Assisted Reproduction Act amendment process, with approximately 80% opposing surrogacy. This feedback underscores the high level of controversy surrounding the surrogacy issue. Recent opposition from civil groups and the public highlights the complex rights and conflicts involving surrogate children, surrogate mothers, and commissioning parents, as well as international bans on surrogacy.
Wu emphasized the ministry's commitment to gathering diverse opinions on the draft amendment of the Assisted Reproduction Act, which it plans to submit to the Executive Yuan (行政院) for review by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee (社會福利及衛生環境委員會) of the Legislative Yuan (立法院) is set to review 16 versions of the proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act on Thursday, excluding the ministry's version.
The ongoing debate over surrogacy in Taiwan highlights the need for a balanced approach that considers the rights and interests of all parties involved.
