Taiwan Court's Ruling Sparks Outrage After High-Speed Crash Leads to Fetal Death

A mother's heartbreak and legal debate unfold after a car accident on the Taichung 74 highway results in the loss of her unborn child.

A recent court decision in Taiwan has ignited controversy after a high-speed car crash on the Taichung 74 highway resulted in the death of a 34-week-old fetus. The case, involving a pregnant woman, Huang, and her husband, has raised questions about the legal interpretation of fetal life and the severity of the punishment for the responsible driver, Zhang.

The incident occurred when Zhang, driving an Audi at speeds of up to 168 kilometers per hour on a road with an 80 km/h speed limit, collided with the car carrying Huang and her husband. The impact caused severe injuries, leading to the tragic loss of the unborn child.

Huang's legal team initially argued for charges of murder or manslaughter. However, because the baby was not yet born, the legal system classified it as a "物 (wu - object)," and the prosecution only filed charges of negligent injury, resulting in a six-month prison sentence, which can be commuted to a fine.

Huang expressed her profound disappointment, stating that the court's decision was unacceptable. She said that she and her husband had just completed a prenatal checkup and were looking forward to the upcoming cesarean section. She stated that it was not acceptable to classify her baby as an "物 (wu - object)."

Adding to the family's grief, Zhang has reportedly not offered an apology or any form of reconciliation. "A life was lost, and the court’s decision, with a potential fine of 180,000 New Taiwan dollars, is not enough," Huang lamented. "The court's view is that the baby is an '物 (wu - object)', which is not acceptable to anyone."

The court acknowledged Zhang's excessive speeding and disregard for road safety. However, taking into account Zhang's self-confessed actions and financial situation, the court handed down a six-month sentence, allowing for the possibility of a fine.