Shifting
Taiwan Abortion Laws
by Eric Kaufman
Controversy
surrounds this week’s ruling in favor of Taiwan’s first ever legalized post
birth abortion. The new laws state that any child under the age of eighteen,
and meeting all other requirements for candidacy could potentially be eligible
for PBA. For parents, this means that for every child, they will receive an
eighteen year window of assessment in determining whether they should terminate
the birth.
Taipei city
locals express mixed feelings about the ruling. Dr. Derek Shung points out
that, “…sometimes degenerative social behavioral disorders don’t show up for
several years after birth. PBA now allows us to monitor conditions while still
keeping certain options available. ” Helen Ming, shop owner and mother of two
is frustrated with the late ruling that has put her nineteen year old son out
of eligibility for candidacy. “He does nothing but chew betel nut all day. It’s
times like these that I feel like the system has really let me down,”
complained Mrs. Ming. Elsewhere local teachers celebrate. For them the
legislation translates directly into improved working conditions which may
potentially revitalize the Taiwanese education system.
