Taipei

Taiwan / Northern Taiwan / Taipei

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Medications & Vaccines

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Gynecological Exams

Pregnancy

Abortion

Laws & Social Stigmas

Abortion has been legal in Taiwan since 1985. Abortion is legal for medical and psychological reasons, rape or incest, "seduction" (which includes but is not limited to statutory rape,) and to prevent psychological issues of a parent from being passed on to a child. Abortion is not a right for all women. Unmarried women under the age of 20 need parent permission to terminate a pregnancy. A married woman of any age need permission from her husband. A woman labeled as mentally handicapped needs permission from her guardian.

Although abortion is not available on request in Taiwan, some doctors do not ask for proof that you meet the criteria for abortion. Furthermore, the definition of "seduction" or psychological distress is vague and easily applied to many circumstances. 

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Ko's Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic - Address: 1F., No.10-1, Linsen S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Phone: 02-33933939 ext.9

Costs

Taiwan's national health insurance does not cover the cost of abortion under any circumstances. This blog post lists abortion prices in a private clinic ranging from $6,350 - $8000 NTD as recently as July 2013.

Advocacy & Counseling