Taipei, Dec. 5 - Taiwan has found itself at the epicenter of heated protests as various advocacy groups gathered outside the Legislative Yuan, voicing strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act. These amendments, under review by the legislative Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, could pave the way for the legalization of surrogacy, which has sparked considerable debate among citizens.
Activists amassed outside the government building, demanding the withdrawal of the surrogacy proposals. They want the issue to be considered separately from the broader amendments being discussed and called for public forums to engage Taiwan's citizens on such sensitive topics. Protesters stood firm, raising banners adorned with phrases like “wombs are not merchandise,” “oppose putting price tags on wombs,” and “women are not for rent.”
The demonstration was predominantly organized by women’s rights groups, including the Taiwan Anti-Surrogate Pregnancy Action Group. Spokeswoman Chen Kai-ning highlighted concerns over the nature of the proposals suggested by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party. According to her, these amendments aren’t genuinely about assisting those who wish to have children but rather treat surrogacy as just another economic activity dominated by intermediaries and medical institutions.
“This isn’t about helping people to realize their dreams or allowing women the freedom to make choices,” Chen stated. “It’s about commodifying women’s bodies.” She expressed fears of exploitation, characterizing surrogate mothers as mere workers on a production line rather than dignified individuals making empowered choices. Her statement struck at the core of the protest’s message: the potential for surrogacy to become exploitative rather than liberatory.
Taiwan Women's Link secretary-general Chen Su-fang echoed these concerns by emphasizing the significant health risks associated with surrogacy. According to her, the proposed amendments turn their backs on the well-being of surrogate mothers, overlooking potential long-term health issues resulting from pregnancy and childbirth. Chen warned of the dangers of accepting surrogacy as commonplace, arguing it could become especially oppressive for marginalized women.
Wang Hsiao-han, associated with the Awakening Foundation, went even farther, declaring the approval of these amendments could lead to a “human rights disaster.” Concerns have been raised about the organization of potential intermediaries and the role they could play, especially if profits surround surrogacy arrangements. “Regulatory measures to prevent profit-making activities do not exist,” she cautioned, indicating the potential for significant exploitation.
Activists have raised alarms about the interconnectedness of surrogacy with socioeconomic disparities, particularly among indigenous women. Savungaz Valincinan, chairperson of the Taiwan Indigenous Youth Public Participation Association, noted the underprivileged standing of many indigenous women and warned against them being driven to surrogacy as means to financial gain.
The atmosphere outside the Legislative Yuan was charged with emotion, as activists chanted slogans reinforcing their stance against treating motherhood and women’s bodies as commodities. “This isn’t simply about reproductive rights,” one protester noted. “It’s about dignity, respect, and the inherent value of life.”
Many of those protesting argue for clear distinctions between assisted reproduction techniques and surrogacy practices. They maintain the origin of life through childbirth should never be left open to commercial transactions. The general feeling among those at the protest was one of urgency for lawmakers to properly navigate the ethical complexity of these proposed laws.
This isn't the first time such issues have stirred up controversy within Taiwan. Previous discussions on assisted reproductive technologies have raised ethical dilemmas and societal expectations. But the intersection of surrogacy with economic factors appears to be particularly explosive, bringing out diverse perspectives on women’s rights, health risks, and societal norms.
Today’s demonstration serves as a reflection of the growing advocacy for women’s rights and social justice, prompting lawmakers to reconsider their approach to legislative amendments. Activists call for the voices of those most affected by these laws—particularly women and marginalized groups—to take center stage as discussions move forward.
With social media amplifying these protests, Taiwan’s lawmakers are being urged to pay close attention to what the people have to say. The outcome of this legislative review has the potential to reshape societal norms surrounding family-building and women’s choices within the framework of reproductive rights.