Abortion in Singapore is legal and widely accessible. It was formally legalised in 1974, being one of the first countries in Asia to do so.[1] It is available on request for Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, individuals with an issued student or work pass, individuals who have been a resident of Singapore for a minimum of four months as well as anyone married to a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident.[1] Foreigners may also obtain an abortion in Singapore if their lives are endangered.
In Singapore, all surgical abortions are performed by a licensed physician at both government and private hospitals and clinics throughout the country, with nurse practitioners, pharmacists and midwives able to provide medications. Abortions performed at a government clinic or hospital are available to be subsidised via Medisave. There is no age limit for an abortion procedure in the country. Furthermore, full confidentiality is ensured by law; parental consent is not legally required over 14,[a] nor spousal consent for married women.[2] Abortion is available on request as late as 24 weeks or six months of pregnancy, beyond that, when the woman's life is in danger.[2]
Singapore's laws on abortion are considered to be progressive.[3] In 1994, Singapore was one of 179 members who signed the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action. This programme called for the liberalisation of abortion laws among other demands.[4] The Centre for Reproductive Rights placed them in the most progressive category of five: "On request".[5] In 1996, Singapore was one of 45 countries worldwide that allowed abortions on request.[6] As of 2020, it is one of 67, out of a total 194 countries evaluated.[6]
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