On April 22, 2026, Taiwanese authorities confirmed the death of Chen Hsien-wen, a 36-year-old female police officer assigned to the Presidential Security Detail at Taipei City Police Department’s First Precinct in Zhongzheng District. Chen died from postpartum hemorrhage one day after giving birth to her daughter at a medical facility in New Taipei City. Her passing has prompted widespread mourning across Taiwan’s law enforcement community and renewed discussion about maternal health protections for pregnant officers in active duty.
Chen, who joined the Taipei City Police Department in 2015, had been responsible for the security coordination of Taiwan’s president and vice president since her promotion to police sergeant in September 2016 following a presidential commendation from then-President Tsai Ing-wen. Colleagues described her as a dedicated and reliable officer whose warm demeanor earned her the nickname “the most reassuring presence in the precinct.” Despite being pregnant, she continued to perform frontline duties, including participation in national ceremonies such as National Day celebrations and New Year flag-raising events, often bringing her unborn child’s anticipated arrival into her function mindset.
According to hospital records and statements from her precinct, Chen delivered a baby girl nicknamed “An’an” on April 18, 2026. The birth was initially reported as uncomplicated, but she suffered severe postpartum bleeding shortly after delivery. Despite emergency medical intervention and resuscitation efforts lasting over 24 hours, she succumbed to her injuries in the early hours of April 20. Medical personnel confirmed that the infant, An’an, experienced oxygen deprivation during birth, resulting in neonatal brain injury, and remains in intensive care requiring ongoing neurological monitoring, and rehabilitation.
Chen’s death occurred just days before she was scheduled to be nominated for the National Model Police Officer award in 2026, an honor that would have been presented during Police Memorial Day ceremonies. Her precinct leadership confirmed that internal recommendations had been prepared in recognition of her service record, professionalism, and contributions to protective operations for Taiwan’s highest elected officials. The nomination process has since been suspended pending further administrative review.
In the aftermath of her passing, Chen’s colleagues at the Zhongzheng First Precinct launched a mutual aid fund to support her newborn daughter’s medical and long-term care needs. The initiative, coordinated through the precinct’s police welfare association, has collected donations from fellow officers, retired personnel, and members of the public. Funds are designated exclusively for An’an’s hospitalization, therapeutic interventions, and future developmental support, with transparency reports pledged to donors.
The tragedy has also prompted internal reviews within Taiwan’s police administration regarding occupational health protocols for pregnant officers in high-risk or high-visibility assignments. While no official policy changes have been announced, labor representatives and gender equality advocates have called for clearer guidelines on duty adjustments during pregnancy, particularly for roles involving prolonged standing, stress exposure, or limited access to medical facilities during shifts.
As of this report, no legal or disciplinary actions have been taken in relation to Chen’s medical care or duty assignment during pregnancy. Authorities have stated that any review of operational procedures will be conducted through standard administrative channels, with findings to be shared internally before any public disclosure. The case remains under documentation by the Taipei City Police Department’s Personnel Division.
Chen Hsien-wen is survived by her parents, her newborn daughter, and extended family. Funeral services were held privately in accordance with family wishes, with a public memorial attended by hundreds of fellow officers, government officials, and members of the public who wished to honor her service. Messages of condolence have been received from national leadership, including the Office of the President, which acknowledged her loyalty and sacrifice in the line of duty.
Her story has resonated beyond Taiwan’s borders, drawing attention to the intersection of maternal health, gender equity in uniformed services, and the often-overlooked sacrifices made by women in protective roles. International police associations have noted the case in internal bulletins as a somber reminder of the need for comprehensive occupational health support across all ranks and assignments.
For updates on An’an’s medical condition or the status of the precinct’s support fund, the public is directed to official communications from the Taipei City Police Department’s Welfare and Benefits Section. No further public statements are scheduled at this time, pending internal review timelines.
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