In this day and age, sexual intercourse has become a norm. However, if it is unsafely practised, it may be possible to get pregnant. No doubt seeing a positive sign on a pregnancy test can be scary especially when it is unplanned.

Some of the questions you may ask yourself in this situation are:

  • What would the community say about this?
  • How will it affect my family and me?
  • Am I ready to be a mother?
  • Is my partner going to be committed with the pregnancy and raising the child?
  • Will I be able to provide a comfortable life for the child?
  • Will I have support during the pregnancy and while raising the child?
  • Would this pregnancy affect my dating life?
  • Is someone forcing you to get an abortion, when you don’t want to?

These may be questions you think about or if it isn’t, then it is something you may want to think about. Either way, make an informed choice.

What is an Abortion?

An abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy. It uses either medicine or surgery to remove the embryo or foetus, along with the placenta from the uterus of a woman. Usually, a licensed health care professional performs the procedure.

Abortion Law in Singapore

In case you were wondering whether or not an abortion is legal in Singapore, the answer to that is, Yes! Abortion is legal until the foetus is less than 24 weeks (6 months).

When it comes to the question of what age you can get an abortion. There is no minimum or maximum age to get an abortion. Also, if you are under the age of 16, there is no legal requirement for parental consent.

To be able to get an abortion in Singapore, these conditions must be met:

  • A Singaporean citizen
  • The wife of a Singaporean citizen
  • A holder, or the wife of a work pass (issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act) holder
  • Residing in Singapore for a minimum duration of 4 months
  • Abortion is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman

If you are a foreigner residing in Singapore for less than 4 months, you will only be able to have an abortion in private hospitals.

Also, abiding by the law in Singapore, women have to receive mandatory counselling by accredited counsellors. Then, they will have to reconsider their options for 2 days (48 hours) before proceeding with an abortion.

What are the types of Abortion?

Medical Abortion

  • Medical abortion is performed by consuming medications alone.
  • There is no surgery needed.
  • The medication opens up the neck of the cervix and contracts the uterus, With that, the womb starts to bleed like heavy menstrual flow. This expels the pregnancy tissue inside the womb.

Surgical Abortion

  • Surgical abortion is a minor procedure. When performed by a certified and experienced doctor, there are lesser chances for complications.
  • It is a day surgery with quick recovery time. Hence, patients can be discharged on the same day as the surgery.
  • There are two types of surgical. They are Aspiration (suction curettage) and Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Aspiration

  • Aspiration is performed by inserting a speculum into the vagina and cervix that is dilated using medication
  • Then, the doctor inserts a cannula inside the uterus to extract the pregnancy tissue using vacuum suction.

Dilation & Curettage

  • First, the doctor uses and apparatus to dilate the cervix manually.
  • Then, using a curette, the doctor scrapes away the pregnancy tissue from the uterus lining.
  • After a surgical abortion, the patient is observed for at least 2 hours before they can consume food or even walk.
  • When the patient has eaten and is able to walk, she can then go home.

What are the risks and complications I may face after an abortion?

There may be an injury to the uterus and cervix during the procedure. However, this can be minimised when surgical abortion is done with the guidance of an ultrasound scan.

On the other hand, the patient might also face infections. This can be minimised by providing a short course of antibiotics and analgesics after the procedure.

Will my abortion be kept confidential?

Yes! Medical professionals and institutions are legally obliged to keep private the details of the abortion procedure. This is to ensure the privacy of the woman who undergoes an abortion.

The details of abortion can only be disclosed with the consent of the patient. However, if someone breaches the woman’s confidentially, they can be fined up to $2000 or even jailed up to 12 months.

What is the cost of getting an Abortion?

The cost of getting an abortion in Singapore at a private clinic is about $1000 – $3000 in total. However, abortion at a public hospital would cost around $750 – $1500. These prices include ultrasound scans, medications and doctor’s consultations along with follow-ups.

On the other hand, Singaporean patients can use their MediSave accounts to pay for abortion procedures.

How do I avoid an unwanted pregnancy?

Condoms

  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when a male condom is used correctly, it is 80% almost effective from getting you pregnant
  • Most male condoms are made from latex. For those who are allergic to latex, they also have other types of condoms.
  • You can find condoms at a drugstore, supermarkets and even online.

Sometimes, pregnancy may occur even when a condom is used. That may be because it wasn’t used right. So, here is how you use a male condom correctly:

Source: Superdrug

Female Condoms

  • A female condom can be used instead of a male condom, but should never be used together!
  • Also, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), female condoms prove to be 79% effective.

Diaphragm

  • A diaphragm is a barrier method of contraception
  • It is placed inside the vagina
  • When using, it is vital to apply spermicide to the diaphragm
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when it is used together, the diaphragm is proven to be 90% effective
  • It is to be inserted a few hours before sexual intercourse and to be left in for about 6 hours after sex
  • After 24, it can be removed
  • However, diaphragms do not protect against STIs.