Understanding Termination of Pregnancy in Singapore: Legality, Safety, and Your Options
Termination of pregnancy, which is legally known as abortion or induced abortion, is a comprehensive as well as emotionally-influenced topic. In simple terms, it is a medical procedure that ends pregnancy even before the foetus becomes viable outside the womb.
It should be that the legality, safety, and available options with regard to the said procedure vary depending on the country, and in Singapore, it is legal and widely available. That is why individuals who are interested in having a termination of pregnancy in Singapore can access it in a hassle-free and convenient manner.
However, before signing up for the said procedure, it is best to fully understand it beforehand. Along the way, it is best to have a firm grasp of its legalities, safety, and available options. Read on for details.
The Legality of Abortion in Singapore
On the one hand, abortion in Singapore procedures are legal, and there is no age limit for it. On the other hand, it should be noted that there are certain stipulations that need to be followed. Some of them are as follows:
- Singaporean citizens or their wives
- Possess a work pass that is issued by the country’s Employment of Foreign Manpower Act or the wife of the holder of the document.
- Singaporean residents for at least 4 months immediately preceding the date when the said procedure is going to take place.
- Individuals who encounter critical circumstances e.g. saving the life of a pregnant woman.
If a pregnant woman is not eligible for the said procedure but still undergoes it anyway, she can be fined up to SGD 3,000.00 and/or jailed for up to 3 years. Consequently, doctors and other medical professionals who perform the said procedure can also be subject to the same punishment.
The Safety of Abortion
With regard to safety, abortions are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as safe, less safe, and least safe, or dangerous. Abortions are safe when done with a procedure that is approved and recommended by the WHO that is ideal for the pregnancy duration and if the individual who is providing or giving assistance to the abortion has undergone proper training. However, it should be noted that women with unwanted pregnancies face challenges to accessing safe abortion that is why they opt to undergo a less safe, least safe, or dangerous abortion.
For safe abortion such as induced abortion, it should be noted that the said procedure is simple and heralded by many as a common healthcare procedure. This is essential because according to the WHO, year in and year out, almost half of all pregnancies across the globe, about 121 million are unintended. Also, internationally, it is important to note that 6 out of 10 pregnancies are unintended and 3 out of 10 of all pregnancies end in induced abortion.
In Singapore, individuals who need abortion in Singapore because of an unplanned pregnancy should first visit a licensed facility that is backed by a long history of efficacy, safety, and everything in between. The doctor is then going to verify if one is eligible for the said procedure or otherwise.
Available Options for Abortion in Singapore
There are two kinds of abortion in Singapore: medication abortion and in-clinic abortion. They are explained in detail below.
- Medication abortion
In medication abortion, patients are given two different medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol, in an effort to safely end a pregnancy. They need to take the pill 11 weeks after the first day of the last period. A doctor or nurse is going to relay detailed information regarding when and how to take the medicines. On top of this, patients may also need to take antibiotics in an effort to prevent infection from developing.
- In-clinic abortion
In-clinic abortion or surgical abortion is a medical procedure that works by utilising suction equipment to empty the uterus. With regard to the timetable, it may depend on the doctor or abortion facility that you turn to. As a general rule, it may be harder to find a medical practitioner who is going to perform an abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy. For this reason, it is best to try to have an abortion as early as possible.
Things to Consider Prior to Operation
Before having a termination of pregnancy in Singapore, it is best to have a detailed as well as honest discussion with a healthcare provider. Their personnel may provide accurate information and address different concerns. Furthermore, it is best to consider getting advice from close friends, family, and so on. This is because aside from referring to a tried and tested facility, they may also give emotional support during difficult times.
Summing Up
Abortion in Singapore are strictly supervised so as to ensure that the safety as well as well-being of patients are not compromised in any way. Simply put, by prioritising comprehensive care, the nation is able to address the rights of women and navigate through ethical as well as societal dimensions. In the end, the city-state is able to provide a model that is ideal when it comes to balancing individual rights together with public health as well as societal values.