Contextualizing Autonomy: Feminist Bioethical Perspectives on Family Planning in Taiwan

Through the example of Taiwan's Family Planning Program, this article brings out the issues of autonomy in making reproductive decisions, with a focus on long-acting contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices. Facts of the program will be introduced as a backdrop in examining the autonomy of procreation; controversies of the program will be highlighted, especially how national demographic policies might affect women's control over their bodies. Next, the author will delve into the limitation of the mainstream theory of autonomy and informed consent. The theory of relational autonomy, proposed by feminists, will be introduced to provide a contrast and complement to the mainstream theory. Echoing the needs to contextualize women's choices, this article analyses social, cultural and economic factors concerning procreational decisions for women in Taiwan. Finally, it is concluded that the theory of contextualized autonomy would be helpful in establishing a biomedical environment that is more sensitive to power dynamics that might constrain personal choices.