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Taiwan’s first Young Mom Unintended Pregnancy Care Hub commenced operations today (27th) at the Taichung Girls' Center. It offers a range of services including counseling, career development, vocational training, lectures, and exhibitions. Additionally, it collaborates with China Medical University Hospital to establish the country's first clinic providing adolescent-friendly care for pregnancy-related concerns. The Girls' Center will also host regular health education events. Taichung's Deputy Mayor Lai Shu-hui, on behalf of Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, expressed gratitude for the joint efforts of both public and private sectors in creating a welcoming and gender-friendly communication space. The center aims to assist young mothers in relaxation, skill enhancement, and overall self-sufficiency.

Deputy Mayor Lai noted that pregnancy is profoundly significant life experience for women, and that unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy occurred when one wasn’t emotionally or mentally prepared for it. Providing warmth, attention, and support, along with taking concrete actions to create a sense of belonging for those who caught off guard by pregnancy, serves as invaluable support for both the girls and their families. 

Deputy Mayor Lai noted that although the city's Social Affairs Bureau has identified the needs of these women and initiated related plans, relying solely on the public sector isn't sufficient. If it weren’t for the private sector offering ideas and resources to collaborate with the city government, such a beneficial hub wouldn’t be realized. “Mayor Lu often emphasizes that one person alone cannot accomplish something great; it requires teamwork to achieve greatness!” Deputy Mayor Lai stressed that through collaboration between the public and private sectors, the hub has been established, offering services to aid those in need.

Chou Te-yang, superintendent of China Medical University Hospital, noted that China Medical University has been dedicated to cutting-edge medical care and social responsibility, viewing unintended pregnancy as a crucial societal concern. China Medical University offers professional medical services and counseling in this area, including specialized clinics within the Integrated Women Center where their healthcare teams strive to deliver top-quality care. 

Ms. White, a young mommy joining in today's event, shared that many mothers often feel limited in life after having children. She expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Social Affairs Bureau, who helped her navigate financial assistance and job resources. Initially hesitant about enrolling in courses due to childcare challenges, she appreciated the assistance from the Fengyuan Women and New Immigrants’ Empowerment Center, who offers both nail art classes and childcare services, tailored to mothers' needs while allowing them to grow with their kids. She also thanked the Taichung City Government for aiding mothers in overcoming pressing challenges. 

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the city government allocated funds to refurbish and revitalize the third floor of the Taichung Girls' Center in collaboration with China Medical University Hospital. Additionally, a donation of 1 million NTD from the Lin Tseng Lien Welfare and Charity Foundation, founded by Yo Ji Construction, was utilized for this purpose. Furthermore, entrepreneur Hung Shih-chao from Mammy Village donated maternal and infant supplies, and local artistic talent Chen Hsi, aged 16, contributed a mermaid artwork, enhancing the vitality of the hub.

The Social Affairs Bureau added that the Taichung Girls' Center was established in 2015 to offer resources for girls' empowerment, aligning with the UN's focus on investing in girls. Now, on its third floor, the Young Mom Unintended Pregnancy Care Hub has been set up to establish a network of primary prevention resources and offer a more diverse range of services. Welcome to inquire and make reservations by calling 04-2223-0690, and follow the Facebook page of the Taichung City Young Mom Unintended Pregnancy Care Hub (https://www.facebook.com/people/臺中市-Young-媽咪非預期懷孕新創基地/61555834681748/).

Today's event was attended by Deputy Mayor Lai Shu-hui, Director Liao Ching-chih of the Social Affairs Bureau, city council member Chen Cheng-hsien, Superintendent Chou Te-yang of China Medical University Hospital, and Chairman Lin Chia-chi of the Lin Tseng Lien Charity Foundation founded by Yo Ji Construction, all gathered to show their support.