TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The justice ministry proposed increasing fines for those who have or carry out illegal abortions on Wednesday (Oct. 29).
The ministry submitted a notice to the Cabinet recommending changes to the criminal code. The proposed amendments would increase fines for pregnant women who have abortions in circumstances outside those listed in the Genetic Health Act from NT$3,000 (US$94) to NT$80,000, the justice ministry said, per CNA.
The ministry said fines for those who carry out abortions for profit illegally will increase from NT$15,000 to NT$500,000. A person who carries out an illegal abortion causing the death of a pregnant woman will be fined NT$2 million, it said.
The increased fines take into account the physical autonomy of women and aim to protect a fetus’ right to life, the ministry said. It said the previous NT$3,000 fine was out of date, and the amendment makes the punishment consistent with other penalties listed in the criminal code.
The ministry said the fines do not punish all abortions and that women may undergo the procedure legally.
The ministry also said the legal consequences for those who have or carry out abortions due to illnesses or life-threatening conditions that are not listed in the Genetic Health Act should be revised from “remitted” to “not punishable.”
The Cabinet has 14 days to make comments and seek review from the judiciary. If no issues arise, the amendments will be submitted to the legislature for consideration.
Abortions are accessible up to the 24th week of pregnancy in most circumstances according to the law. They are legal within this period when pregnancies are life-threatening, are the result of rape, coercion, or incest, or are likely to affect a woman’s mental health or family life.