amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act 結果共4筆

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu highlights her legislative achievements during her 412-day tenure in the Legislative Yuan. She proposed 15 bills, hosted five public hearings, and three symposiums. Notable bills include amendments to the Central Bank Act, the Social Medical Development Act, and the Assisted Reproduction Act, reflecting her dedication to improving Taiwan’s financial stability, healthcare system, and reproductive health policies. Wu believes that her policy platform will be built upon these legislative proposals as she prepares for the upcoming televised policy presentation and debate. The vice-presidential TV policy presentation is scheduled for December 22, 2024, while the debate will take place on January 1, 2024, as the 2024 elections approach.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je declared that the election outcome remains uncertain and that the race will transform into a civic movement. Ko argued for amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, expressing concern that only the wealthy would be able to afford assisted reproduction procedures abroad. He hinted at a grassroots approach for the upcoming election, drawing parallels to the Sunflower Movement. Ko revealed his campaign staff’s advice to conduct rolling polls and release new results daily. Given the TPP’s limited campaign budget, Ko mentioned opting for cost-effective alternatives such as studio rentals for live streams and recordings. University students suggested Ko should be more cautious with his public remarks and intensify flash campaign events, but Ko reassured them with a message of mutual perseverance.

The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, including one that would allow a surviving spouse to use embryos for having children after the death of their partner. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering expanding the legislation to include same-sex couples, single individuals, and surrogate pregnancies. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan suggested a public hearing to gather feedback due to the ethical, legal, and child welfare considerations involved. The current law only permits assisted reproduction for married couples, excluding single women and lesbian couples. Taiwan also does not currently recognize surrogacy as legal, creating unresolved issues regarding the parental status of children born through such arrangements. The debate reflects the government’s attempt to address societal changes and demographic challenges, particularly concerns about population decline.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, confirms planned amendments to the ＂Assisted Reproduction Act＂ will include changes to surrogacy policies, extending coverage to same-sex partners, single women, and surrogate mothers. The draft law will be made public early next year and reviewed by the Executive Yuan by the year’s end. Presidential candidates have called for surrogacy policy consideration, with Ko Wen-je inviting a long-term surrogacy policy advocate for discussion. The amendments are not influenced by Ko’s political platform. The ongoing effort to amend the law has been ongoing for two-and-a-half years, with a preliminary draft of 42 articles finalized and 13 expert meetings held. The revision aims to protect children’s rights while addressing same-sex marriage, single women, and surrogacy issues. Surrogacy services will require professional consultation and legal contracts to outline rights and obligations for both parties.