Abortion, also known as termination of pregnancy, is legal in Singapore. Abortion can be done in the first 24 weeks(first six months) of pregnancy. Abortions beyond that can only be done if the procedure is necessary to save the life or to prevent permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.
Abortion is restricted to the following groups of people:
- Citizens of Singapore
- Permanent Residents in Singapore
- Employment Pass Holder
- Work Permit Holder
- Dependent Pass Holder
- Wives of Singapore Citizens
- Wives of Employment Pass / Work Permit Holders
- Foreigners who have resided in Singapore for a minimum duration of four months.
Pre-abortion Counselling
Mandatory pre-abortion counselling must be provided for a pregnant woman, regardless of her marital status, who:
- Is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident;
- Has passed the primary school leaving examination (PSLE);
- Has at least some secondary education, and
- Has less than three children.
Pregnant woman who meets the above criteria can only have the abortion at least 48 hours after the pre-abortion counselling has been carried out.
Age Limit
In Singapore, there is no defined age limit for the abortion procedure, nor is there a legal requirement for parental consent for minors under the age of 21. In other words just about anyone may request for an abortion, as long as they are of sound mind and body and understand the risks and details of the procedure. However, girls under the age of 16 have to undergo mandatory counseling at the Health Promotion Board 48 hours before the abortion can done.
In Singapore, only doctors who are registered as specialists in Obstetrics & Gynaecology with Singapore Medical Council would be given approval to carry out abortions.
In addition to the authorised doctor, the medical facility where the abortion is licensed to be done must have a trained nurse, a trained counsellor and facilities for counselling and to perform the procedure in a safe manner.
Like any other surgery, abortions will have some risks. The common complications include bleeding, infection, retained products of conception which may require a repeat procedure. More serious complications include injury to the womb and surrounding organs.
Abortion is not the only option when one has an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy. You can talk to your doctor or some other people whom you trust to explore the various options. If you prefer to be anonymous, there are also hotlines that you can call to talk about the other options.
Some hotlines that you can call are:
- ComCare Hotline 1800 222 0000
- Crisis Hotline for Adolescent 65345366
- Babes ( for pregnant women in trouble) SMS 811103535 or call 1800-TEENMOM (1800-8336666)
Eligibility for Abortion 
