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Legal Restrictions Bar Some Women From Motherhood
In New Taipei City, on a bustling street corner, Mota and City wait for the school bus to pick up their four-year-old daughter, Doby. They are happy to be parents even as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of raising a family in a landscape marked by legal hurdles.
Together for eight years, Mota and City are legally married and celebrated the arrival of Doby in 2020. They joke about competing for their daughter's affection, likening themselves to royal concubines vying for the emperor's attention.
Seeking Parenthood Beyond Borders
Despite their deep desire to start a family, Mota and City faced significant barriers within Taiwan’s health care system. Unable to receive the necessary support for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) domestically, they embarked on an international journey to conceive. Their experiences, filled with both hope and hardship, reflect the realities many same-sex couples encounter in Taiwan, where reproductive laws remain restrictive.
Mota shares the harrowing moment when complications nearly killed her during a procedure in Cambodia. The couple had to navigate a maze of medical professionals across borders, highlighting the urgency and desperation that drove them to seek solutions far from home. Eventually, their perseverance paid off, culminating in the joyous birth of Doby.
Heartbreak and Resilience
Two years later, Mota and City were determined to expand their family. They invested over US$60,000 into treatments for both pregnancies, with City opting to carry their second child in hopes of a smoother pregnancy. Tragically, on the week of her due date, they received the devastating news: there was no heartbeat. City described the loss as a painful test, challenging her resilience and resolve.
Yet, in the face of this heart-wrenching experience, Mota and City remain undeterred. They have channeled their energy into advocacy, collaborating with the Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy group. This organization provides vital support to queer families, advocating for legal rights and fostering community through family events.
Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community
Reese Li, secretary-general of Taiwan LGBT Family Rights Advocacy, emphasizes the transformative power of visibility, saying that witnessing families of same-sex couples bonding and enjoying time together sends a powerful message to the community, and that it instills confidence in others who yearn for parenthood, reassuring them that they are not alone in their aspirations.
Taiwan’s health ministry has proposed amendments to the law governing assisted reproduction, potentially easing the path for many couples. However, for Mota and City, waiting for legislative change is not an option. They are resolutely trying again, fully aware of the emotional and financial toll involved. In their eyes, the risks of heartbreak are overshadowed by the profound desire to build their family.
A LGTBQ+ Couple’s Journey
Mota and City's story encapsulates the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition in Taiwan, particularly concerning reproductive health. Their journey is not just about personal triumphs and tragedies; it reflects a broader movement towards acceptance and equality. As they navigate the complex landscape of parenthood, they embody hope and resilience, inspiring others in their quest for family amid societal challenges.
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