TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT Legislator Chen Ching-hui (陳菁徽) withdrew from the legislative review of amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act on Friday.

The move followed criticism from DPP Legislator Lin Shu-fen (林淑芬), who questioned whether Chen Ching-hui should participate in the review given her background as a physician working in the assisted reproduction industry. Lin suggested Chen Ching-hui’s role posed a potential conflict of interest. In response to similar concerns, Chen Ching-hui said she would step away from the review process, per CNA.

Chen Ching-hui said legalizing surrogacy — the most controversial element of the proposed amendments — is a complex issue that requires broad consensus. She argued that continued criticism of her personal background could distract from constructive debate, prompting her decision to withdraw.

The DPP’s proposal seeks to expand eligibility for assisted reproduction while excluding the legalization of surrogacy. The push to include surrogacy has been led by TPP at-large Legislator Chen Chao-tzu (陳昭姿).

Lin also criticized Chen Chao-tzu’s proposal as insufficiently developed, warning that poorly designed surrogacy rules could exacerbate class inequality and lead to economic exploitation, per Storm Media. Chen Chao-tzu countered that the Cabinet’s version, which omits surrogacy, risks creating a legal gray area by driving those in need toward underground markets.

Chen Chao-tzu said the TPP has held more than 30 meetings with experts and reviewed regulatory frameworks from multiple countries where surrogacy is legal.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the amendments are intended to promote bodily autonomy by allowing single women and married lesbian couples to use assisted reproduction with their own wombs, per Tai Sounds. He added that surrogacy remains a divisive issue that requires more time for societal consensus.

Chen Chao-tzu also defended Chen Ching-hui, saying her perspective as a reproductive medicine doctor reflects concern for patients rather than personal gain, per SETN. However, Chang Yu-meng (張育萌) of the advocacy group Better Together for NextGen Taiwan noted that Chen is not only a physician but also served as chair of Nuwa Healthcare until December 2024, per Newtalk.

Chang said Chen had overseen surrogacy-related amendments and public hearings while being involved in an industry that could benefit from legalization, raising questions about the appropriateness of her role in the review process.