Two infertile couples were patients in the Mackay Memorial Hospital's Infertility Department. The husband of one couple could not produce sperms and the wife of the other, because of ovary problem, could not produce eggs. Through the introduction of the doctors, they donated eggs and sperms to each other. The embryos developed from the fertilized eggs were planted into the oviducts of the two wives. Both women are now pregnant. Zhang Sheng-Ping, Director of the Fertility and Secretion Section in the Gynecology and Obstetrician Department of the Veterans General Hospital, said that in Taiwan donation of sperms and eggs are rare. Patients accept this arrangement because they share the sufferings and empathize with each other. Through the matchmaking of the hospital, Dr. Zhang said, the patients created a win-win situation. (1998.4.25, China Times, Liberty Times)

The children of these two couples will be siblings by blood. This arrangement seems to challenge the society's notion of kinship and ethics. It is a pity that our society only gives such enthusiastic supports for reproduction desire to a certain people (married couples of heterosexuality)—using the reproductive technology, courageously challenging the notion of ethics, and endeavoring on "making people"; why can't these medical efforts be applied to homosexuals, singles, and unmarried couples who also want to have children? Infertility is regarded as a disease and the doctors now played the role of God. Not only do they work hard to develop all kinds of new reproductive technology, they also play matchmakers in helping patients. Reports from the media usually are congratulatory, presenting these stories as "breakthrough," "obstacles overcome," "win-win," "sudden appearance of vitality," and "good news." However, why is infertility a "disease," why has it become a medical issue, and why it needs to be dealt with by doctors are all questions that we should ask.

In the "Conference on the Development of AIDS Treatment and Vaccine," Professor Chen Yi-Min of the Yang Ming University's Institute of Public Health pointed out that among those who were infected by the AIDS virus in the past three years in Taiwan, 27% were infected by the Type E virus. He said the type E virus is most prevalent in Southeast Asia, and it is mainly transmitted through heterosexual behavior. Most of the infected women have the type E virus, and an analysis on the infected men shows that 30% to 40% of them have had sex with prostitutes in Southeast Asia. Therefore, it is very likely that the infected women are victims of their husbands¡¦sexual encounters with prostitutes. (1998.4. 19, China Times, Liberty Times)

The new impotence drug Viagra has been selling very well since it went on the American market two weeks ago. Gynecologists said if lack of blood circulation or oxygen of the clitoris causes a woman¡¦s frigidity, Viagra could improve the blood circulation in that area and help her reach the sexual climax. (1998.4.22, 4.27, 4.29, China Times)

1) The discussion improves the knowledge on the clitoris climax, and this is an unexpected gain. 2) There is drug for impotence now. How about a drug for the cramps caused by menstrual cycles?

Representatives of the Taipei Legalized Prostitutes Self-Salvation Group filed a lawsuit for state compensation at the small claim court in Taipei against the Taipei City Government and demanded a symbolic one-dollar damage compensation. They sued the city government for unilaterally abolishing prostitution and for not executing the city council's veto of the city government's decision. Judge Guo Shu-Zheng reviewed the case and ruled against the licensed prostitutes. Lawyers representing the licensed prostitutes said that because the city government has unilaterally claimed the Regulations on Taipei City Licensed Prostitutes to be unconstitutional, they will ask the Supreme Court for an interpretation of constitution. (1998.4.21, China Times)

The student council of the 8th male dorm at the National Taiwan University decided to install in the dorm a vending machine for condoms. They also distributed 8000 free condoms at noon on the 29th. (1998.4.30, China Times)

Several years ago a huge controversy arose when female students at the National Taiwan University watched pornography, though it was an open secret that pornography had been screened at the male dorms. Now the male dorm is selling condoms and male students' sexual subjectivity is even clearer. It is a strong contrast between the public's being shocked by female's sexual subjectivity and its tolerance and customary acceptance of male's sexual subjectivity.