In Singapore, abortion is typically performed for a variety of reasons, ranging from medical necessity or personal reasons. Ultimately, the decision to have an abortion is significant, and doctors ensure that individuals receive the necessary medical care and support throughout the process.
What Is Abortion?
Abortion is a medical procedure that terminates a pregnancy, either through medication or surgery, depending on gestational age and health considerations. While abortion is a safe and common procedure, its safety is highest when performed early.
As per the Termination of Pregnancy Act of Singapore, there are several notable rules regarding abortion, which include:
Eligibility Requirements:
Only Singapore citizens, work pass holders, or those residing in Singapore for over 4 months can legally undergo an abortion. Spouses meeting these criteria can also qualify. Please check with us at 6459 2833 for specific eligibility queries.Late-Term Restrictions:
Abortion is generally prohibited beyond 24 weeks unless medically necessary to protect the woman’s life or health.Consent Rules:
Only the pregnant woman’s consent is required, even for minors. No external consent is required.
What Are the Types of Abortion?
Abortion procedures vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the method used to terminate it. Broadly classified into medical and surgical options, each approach has distinct processes, benefits, and risks.
The choice between the two depends on gestational age, health considerations, and personal preference, making it essential to understand the differences before proceeding. Early decision-making is critical, as later-stage procedures are riskier and more complicated.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) – Up to 9 Weeks
Medical abortion involves taking two medications. The first is mifepristone, which prepares the cervix, followed by misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This method is non-invasive, does not require anaesthesia, and can be done outside of a hospital setting, such as at home. However, it has a higher failure rate compared to surgical methods and can lead to unpredictable timing, prolonged bleeding, intense cramping, and the emotional difficulty of passing foetal tissue at home. Multiple follow-up visits may also be required.
First-Trimester Surgical Abortion – Between 8 and 12 Weeks
This procedure, often referred to as vacuum aspiration, is usually performed under general anaesthesia. A tube is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy tissue, and a curette is used afterwards to ensure complete removal. It has a high success rate, offers quick resolution, causes minimal pain and blood loss, and is typically completed on the same day. Although anaesthesia is required, the procedure is short and generally more predictable and complete than a medical abortion.
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion – Between 12 and 24 Weeks
In second-trimester surgical abortion, medication is first placed in the vagina to initiate the expulsion of the pregnancy. This is followed by vacuum aspiration to clear the uterus. Hospitalisation may be necessary for this procedure. It is more invasive than earlier methods, comes with increased risks, and involves a longer recovery period. Despite these factors, it remains a safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor in an accredited clinic. Abortion is not permitted beyond 24 weeks unless there is a severe medical necessity.
What to Expect After Having an Abortion
Recovery after an abortion varies, with most first-trimester cases resolving within 3-5 days, while later-term procedures may require longer healing. Temporary cramping and mild bleeding are common. Doctors may recommend painkillers and sanitary pads to manage common side effects. However, symptoms like intense pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or abnormal discharge will warrant immediate medical attention.
Follow these general guidance for optimal post-abortion care:
Rest and Hydrate:
Prioritise rest and drink plenty of water to aid recovery.Pain Management:
Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.Sanitary Wear:
Sanitary pads are ideal to help manage the bleeding.Antibiotics Compliance:
If prescribed, take the full course to prevent infection.Emotional Well-being:
Reach out for counselling if needed, as emotional recovery is just as important.
On the other hand, avoid the following to minimise complications:
Alcohol Consumption:
Avoid drinking for at least 48 hours post-procedure.Heavy Lifting or Strenuous Exercise:
Give your body time to heal before engaging in intense physical activity.Douching or Vaginal Washes:
Let the vagina cleanse itself naturally.Using Tampons or Menstrual Cups Too Soon:
It is best to use sanitary pads for the time being.Delaying Medical Attention:
Seek help if you experience extreme pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or foul-smelling discharge.
Are There Any Risks or Complications in Abortion?
Abortion procedures vary depending on the stage of pregnancy and the method used to terminate it. Broadly classified into medical and surgical options, each approach has distinct processes, benefits, and risks.
The choice between the two depends on gestational age, health considerations, and personal preference, making it essential to understand the differences before proceeding. Early decision-making is critical, as later-stage procedures are riskier and more complicated.
Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill) – Up to 9 Weeks
Medical abortion involves taking two medications. The first is mifepristone, which prepares the cervix, followed by misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This method is non-invasive, does not require anaesthesia, and can be done outside of a hospital setting, such as at home. However, it has a higher failure rate compared to surgical methods and can lead to unpredictable timing, prolonged bleeding, intense cramping, and the emotional difficulty of passing foetal tissue at home. Multiple follow-up visits may also be required.
First-Trimester Surgical Abortion – Between 8 and 12 Weeks
This procedure, often referred to as vacuum aspiration, is usually performed under general anaesthesia. A tube is inserted into the uterus to remove the pregnancy tissue, and a curette is used afterwards to ensure complete removal. It has a high success rate, offers quick resolution, causes minimal pain and blood loss, and is typically completed on the same day. Although anaesthesia is required, the procedure is short and generally more predictable and complete than a medical abortion.
Second-Trimester Surgical Abortion – Between 12 and 24 Weeks
In second-trimester surgical abortion, medication is first placed in the vagina to initiate the expulsion of the pregnancy. This is followed by vacuum aspiration to clear the uterus. Hospitalisation may be necessary for this procedure. It is more invasive than earlier methods, comes with increased risks, and involves a longer recovery period. Despite these factors, it remains a safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor in an accredited clinic. Abortion is not permitted beyond 24 weeks unless there is a severe medical necessity.
What to Expect After Having an Abortion
Recovery after an abortion varies, with most first-trimester cases resolving within 3-5 days, while later-term procedures may require longer healing. Temporary cramping and mild bleeding are common. Doctors may recommend painkillers and sanitary pads to manage common side effects. However, symptoms like intense pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or abnormal discharge will warrant immediate medical attention.
Follow these general guidance for optimal post-abortion care:
Rest and Hydrate:
Prioritise rest and drink plenty of water to aid recovery.Pain Management:
Take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.Sanitary Wear:
Sanitary pads are ideal to help manage the bleeding.Antibiotics Compliance:
If prescribed, take the full course to prevent infection.Emotional Well-being:
Reach out for counselling if needed, as emotional recovery is just as important.
On the other hand, avoid the following to minimise complications:
Alcohol Consumption:
Avoid drinking for at least 48 hours post-procedure.Heavy Lifting or Strenuous Exercise:
Give your body time to heal before engaging in intense physical activity.Douching or Vaginal Washes:
Let the vagina cleanse itself naturally.Using Tampons or Menstrual Cups Too Soon:
It is best to use sanitary pads for the time being.Delaying Medical Attention:
Seek help if you experience extreme pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or foul-smelling discharge.
Are There Any Risks or Complications in Abortion?
Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures when performed by trained professionals in an accredited clinic or hospital, especially during the first trimester. However, as with any medical intervention, risks exist and tend to increase with gestational age:
- Infection
Infections can occur if bacteria enter the uterus during or after the procedure. Signs include pain, fever, vaginal discharge, and chills. The risk of infection tends to be higher in later-stage abortions due to increased procedural complexity. - Haemorrhage
This refers to heavy or prolonged bleeding. Symptoms may include passing large blood clots and dizziness. The likelihood of haemorrhage also increases with gestational age. - Cervical Injury
Damage to the cervix may lead to heavy bleeding, severe pain, and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. This complication is more common in second-trimester procedures, particularly when greater dilation is needed. - Uterine Perforation
In rare cases, the surgical instruments may puncture the uterine wall. Signs of uterine perforation include heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Medication or surgery may be required depending on the severity. - Incomplete Abortion
An incomplete abortion occurs when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. Symptoms may include passing blood clots, abdominal cramping, fever or chills, and continued pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness. Heavy bleeding may also be present. This complication is more likely with dilation procedures or unsupervised medical abortions using pills.
Women’s Clinic of Singapore Is Here to Help You
Abortion is a medical procedure with well-documented accounts of safety when performed by trained professionals in a regulated healthcare setting. While complications are possible, they remain rare.
For women who are considering abortion, it is strongly encouraged to consult a professional. Contact us at 6459 2833 or fill out this form to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you get an abortion if you’re under 16?
Yes, minors under 16 can undergo an abortion in Singapore, even without parental consent. However, a police report will have to be made as it is considered an offence to have sexual intercourse with a minor. You will also have to attend pre-abortion counselling by the Health Promotion Board (HPB).
How do I get an abortion?
Abortion services are available at public hospitals, private hospitals, and accredited clinics. Make sure that the facility is approved by the Ministry of Health and that you are eligible to get an abortion. For more information, please contact our clinic at 6459 2833.
Are abortions safe?
Yes, when performed by experienced doctors at an accredited medical facility, abortion is a very safe procedure.
Do I have to tell my partner if I am getting an abortion?
You are not required to inform your partner if you choose to have an abortion. The decision is entirely yours, and only your consent is needed.
How long does it take to recover after an abortion?
Most people recover within days after a first-trimester abortion, while a second-trimester abortion may take a couple of weeks.
How can I prevent an unplanned pregnancy in the future?
Reliable contraception, including birth control pills, IUDs, implants, patches, injections, condoms, and emergency contraception, is available for pregnancy prevention. A consultation with your gynaecologist is recommended to determine the most suitable option for your individual reproductive health needs.
Is it necessary to have a follow-up appointment after an abortion?
A follow-up appointment after an abortion is needed to ensure a smooth recovery. It is also crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or unusual discharge.
