TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As global debates over assisted dying intensify, Taiwan's top health official cautioned against rushing toward euthanasia legislation without first strengthening end-of-life care. Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan told legislators Thursday (May 8) that comprehensive palliative treatment addressing physical suffering, psychological distress, and spiritual needs remains essential to reducing demand for medically assisted death options.
Legislators from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's center-left governing party, convened a policy forum Wednesday to explore potential legislation on assisted dying. During subsequent testimony at the Legislative Yuan (立法院), Taiwan's parliament, Minister Chiu outlined existing government programs promoting advance directives and expanded National Health Insurance (健保) coverage for end-of-life care, designed to give terminal patients greater autonomy and improve family communication about death.
The health minister emphasized that nations considering euthanasia legislation must first establish robust palliative care systems. Proper end-of-life care, Chiu maintained, transforms euthanasia from a widespread societal demand into rare individual cases. He pointed to Taiwan's internationally recognized excellence in this field, citing its third-place global ranking and leading position throughout Asia in palliative care quality and accessibility.
In a separate development, the Executive Yuan (行政院), Taiwan's cabinet, is advancing new legislation governing infant and toddler care. The proposed "Childcare Services Act" (兒童托育服務法) would create distinct regulatory frameworks for children under two years old. Deputy Health Minister Lu Chien-te (呂建德) confirmed the draft legislation is under review and would significantly strengthen penalties against caregivers found guilty of neglect or abuse. ★
