A shocking case in Taiwan has sparked widespread outrage after a woman revealed that her mother-in-law demanded she conceive a child with her husband’s younger brother. The demand came after doctors confirmed that her husband had low sperm count and suggested in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) as a solution.
According to the woman’s post on Facebook, she was prepared to proceed with IVF following medical advice. However, her mother-in-law strongly opposed the idea, claiming that such procedures would bring “shame” to the family. Instead, she suggested a so-called “traditional” method — asking the woman to have a baby with her brother-in-law in order to continue the family line.
The woman, stunned by the outrageous request, confronted her mother-in-law, asking, “What era are we living in now?” Yet, the older woman defended her stance, arguing that it was still within the family since both men were her sons. Faced with her husband’s silence and unwillingness to support her, the woman said she lost all faith in the marriage and decided to file for divorce, calling the family “utterly ridiculous.”
Netizens Slam Outdated Beliefs
Once the story went viral, Taiwanese netizens flooded social media with angry reactions. Many condemned the mother-in-law’s outdated mindset, with comments such as, “She treats her daughter-in-law like a child-bearing machine!” and “If she wants a grandchild so badly, let the younger son handle it himself.” Others criticised the husband for failing to stand by his wife, with one user noting, “The real problem is the useless husband who let this nonsense happen.”
The case has reignited discussions about the stigma surrounding infertility in Asian societies. While medical technology such as IVF is widely accepted globally, some conservative families continue to view it as shameful, instead pushing women into extreme or humiliating situations.
Changing Views on Fertility in Modern Society
Experts say that while cultural beliefs about lineage and family honour still hold sway in some households, younger generations are increasingly rejecting such outdated expectations. Fertility treatments, once considered taboo, are now seen as a responsible and science-based approach to parenthood.
In Singapore, IVF has become a common option for couples struggling to conceive, with government subsidies available to ease the financial burden. Advocates stress that shifting societal perceptions is just as important as improving access to medical care, so women are not unfairly pressured by family traditions.
This Taiwanese case serves as a stark reminder of the need to challenge harmful mindsets and ensure that women have the freedom to make their own reproductive choices without fear of stigma or coercion.