Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy. There are numerous reasons why women choose to have abortions, including financial concerns, major medical conditions, and pressure from family and peers. Whatever the cause, the decision is entirely personal but no less difficult or emotional to make. Abortion is a serious decision that should only be made after a careful examination of all relevant circumstances. Therefore, abortion in Singapore has clear and stringent legislation governing the procedure. Since 1970, abortion on demand has been allowed in the country. Today, Singapore's Termination of Pregnancy Act remains in effect. 

The act covers a wide spectrum of women. It includes women who are Singapore citizens or permanent residents, have a working pass under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, and have lived in Singapore for more than four months. Women who are married to a Singapore citizen or permanent resident or who hold a work permit pass are also eligible under the Termination of Pregnancy Act Singapore. There is a unique exemption for women who do not fall under any of these categories. If it is medically justified that the pregnancy directly endangers a woman's life, a licensed health practitioner can perform the termination. However, the pregnancy termination limitation in Singapore is 24 weeks. To determine your pregnancy duration, you should count the weeks since the first day of your last menstrual period. 

Let us delve in the abortion process in Singapore and how to take care of yourself before and after the procedure.

Abortion Procedure in Singapore

If you require an abortion due to an unintended pregnancy, the first step is to go to a licensed abortion clinic. The doctor will determine whether you are eligible for an abortion. If your first point of contact is with a doctor who objects on religious grounds, request a referral to a non-objecting expert. This applies to doctors in both public and private healthcare facilities.

Mandatory Counselling

Since 2015, all women seeking an abortion in Singapore must first consult with a qualified counsellor before proceeding with their decision. According to studies, most women who have had abortions feel less worried after the session. A registered abortion clinic should have qualified therapists among its staff. In addition, the specialist gynaecologist overseeing the appointment will ensure that the patient has no pre-existing health issues that could complicate the abortion process. The doctor will also ensure that patients considering abortion are fully informed about the procedure and its alternatives. The counselling is intended to be informed and nonjudgmental, with the patient's final decision being upheld. If the medical practitioner is a moral objector, he is ethically required to refer the patient to a non-objecting colleague for more objective advice. Throughout this process, patient confidentiality is prioritised and legally maintained.

Waiting Period

Once the pre-abortion consultation is done, the patient must wait at least 48 hours before the procedure can be performed. This time is set aside for the woman to take in and analyse what was covered during her previous session in order to enable her to make an informed decision.

Records

In Singapore, abortion statistics are compiled. However, the specifics of the data remain confidential, and this privacy is protected by law.

Risk of Pregnancy and Abortion

Abortion in Singapore is a very safe procedure as long as it is performed by a licensed healthcare provider. It is estimated that the likelihood of complications from abortion is less than 1%, with death being an extremely rare occurrence. The use of antibiotics significantly reduces the chance of infection, which is crucial since an ascending pelvic infection can impair fertility and cause chronic pelvic pain.

What Do You Need to Do Following an Abortion?

After an abortion, one should avoid driving or engaging in any activity that requires mental attentiveness. Typically, overnight sleep is required before the full effects of the anaesthesia wear off. Painkillers are frequently beneficial in treating post-procedural cramping. Because the cervix's natural defences require time to regenerate, vaginal intercourse and penetration should be avoided for a few weeks; during this period, sanitary pads should be used instead of tampons to manage the bleeding. Severe pain, unremitting and profuse bleeding, fever, and an odd greenish or yellowish discharge are all symptoms of infection that should be treated. Of course, in the medium to long term, appropriate, effective contraception should be used to avoid a repeat treatment until one is ready to conceive.

Seng's OG Practice – A Reputable Abortion Clinic In Singapore

Abortion is commonly available in Singapore, although only qualified medical practitioners are allowed to perform it. Dr. Seng is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with more than 15 years of expertise in Singapore. His specialities include pre-pregnancy care, prenatal care, birthing, and postnatal care, as well as gynaecology management and surgery. Dr. Seng has extensive gynaecological surgery training as well as clinical and surgical obstetrics expertise. He is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality care and service to all of his patients, and he has an established track record. If you are seeking a reliable abortion clinic in Singapore, get in touch with them today!