Yes, home births are legally permissible in Taiwan under strict conditions. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) permits licensed midwives to attend home births, but only if the pregnancy is low-risk and the birth occurs within a 30-minute hospital transfer radius. Recent 2026 amendments to the Midwifery Act require midwives to register births with local health departments within 24 hours and maintain malpractice insurance.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Taiwan
- Licensing Requirement: Only midwives certified by the MOHW and registered with local health bureaus may conduct home births. Obstetricians are prohibited from attending unless emergency complications arise.
- Risk Assessment Mandate: A mandatory prenatal risk evaluation must be conducted by a licensed obstetrician within the final month of pregnancy to confirm eligibility for home birth.
- Emergency Protocol: Home birth providers must have a prearranged transfer agreement with a nearby hospital capable of handling obstetric emergencies, as stipulated in the Emergency Medical Services Act.
Violations of these regulations may result in midwife license suspension or criminal liability under the Public Health Act. The MOHW’s 2026 enforcement guidelines emphasize real-time reporting via the National Health Insurance (NHI) system to monitor compliance. Foreign nationals must ensure their midwife holds dual certification under Taiwanese and international standards.