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Surrogacy guidelines spark debate in Taiwan’s new draft
Taiwan’s Health Ministry plans to propose changes to the Assisted Reproduction Act by year-end, extending rights to same-sex couples and single women. The draft, reviewed since May, addresses surrogacy concerns and aims to protect children’s interests.2024/10/09 12:14 -
Survey shows opposition to Taiwan’s reproduction law changes
Discover the concerns surrounding Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act amendment, as a survey shows 90% find it lacking and 73% oppose surrogacy legalization. Read more on the public’s stance and the debate it sparks.2024/09/10 21:00 -
Taiwan’s birth rate may rise by 3% with new fertility law
Discover how Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act amendment could boost the birth rate by 3% by including same-sex couples, single women, and surrogate mothers. Read insights from Lee Maw-sheng on the potential impact and challenges.2024/08/20 17:37 -
Mid-air miracle: Woman gives birth on EVA Air flight
A pregnant woman gave birth on an EVA Air flight from Tokyo to Taipei, with both mother and child reported safe. The Civil Aeronautics Administration confirmed the successful landing at Taipei Songshan Airport. EVA Air has specific guidelines for pregnant passengers, including restrictions on flying after 36 weeks for single pregnancies and after 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies. Pregnant women between 28 and 35 weeks must complete a medical information sheet approved by the company’s doctor before flying.2024/02/15 15:18 -
Taiwan warns against misleading heated tobacco claims
The Taiwan Health Promotion Administration warns the public that heated tobacco products have the same nicotine content and addictiveness as traditional tobacco, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s report revealed that marketing strategies used by heated tobacco businesses may mislead consumers into thinking these products are less harmful. Rats exposed to aerosols from a single heated tobacco stick had nicotine concentration in their blood 4.5 times higher than those exposed to traditional tobacco smoke. Nicotine not only leads to addiction but also causes harm to attention, learning, mood control, impulse control, pregnant women, and developing embryos. Heated tobacco emissions contain harmful and carcinogenic substances, putting the body at risk. Data does not support the idea that substituting traditional tobacco with heated tobacco reduces health risks. Tobacco companies use misleading marketing tactics to lure consumers, claiming lower health risks and reduced secondhand smoke and odor. It is important to note that no heated tobacco products are currently approved for sale in Taiwan, and their manufacturing, importation, selling, supplying, display, advertising, and usage are prohibited under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act.2024/01/05 18:01 -
Legislative Yuan reviews Assisted Reproduction Act
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.2023/12/04 21:39 -
Taiwan to amend Assisted Reproduction Act
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.2023/11/09 09:50