Deciding to terminate a pregnancy can be one of the most challenging decisions a woman faces. It is normal to feel scared, unsure, and overwhelmed by the weight of the choice.
However, understanding the factors to consider, the process and the emotional, practical and legal implications can help women make an informed decision.
Emotional Preparation & Seeking Support
Deciding to terminate a pregnancy can weigh heavily on a woman’s heart. The decision to have an abortion may evoke a range of emotions, including relief, guilt, sadness and confusion. Recognise and process these emotions before making a decision.
- Give yourself time: Take the time you need to process your thoughts and feelings. Rushing into a decision could leave you feeling unsettled later on.
- Seek emotional support: Surrounding yourself with a supportive friend, family member or counsellor can make a world of difference. Talking to someone about your fears and uncertainties can help you process your emotions.
- Counselling services: Some clinics offer pre-abortion counselling to help women navigate the emotional complexities of the decision. They can provide clarity and assurance during an emotionally charged time.
Practical Considerations
There are also practical considerations to weigh before deciding on a termination of pregnancy. They are as follows.
Types of Termination Procedures
There are two types of termination procedure: medical abortion and surgical abortion.
- Medical abortion: Abortion pills are prescribed to terminate the pregnancy. It may be an option for pregnancies up to 10 weeks, albeit higher failure rates as gestational age advances.
- Surgical abortion: vacuum termination procedure is a minimally invasive procedure using a suction apparatus. It can be used in pregnancies < 14 weeks.
Information About Local Providers
Find a qualified and trustworthy abortion doctor. Some women’s health clinics offer abortion services, You can start by researching nearby clinics that provide abortion services.
Estimating Costs
Abortion costs may vary according to the method used and the gestational age of pregnancy. Use of hospital facility may also incur more costs . Clinics which provide vacuum termination procedures will likely cost significantly lesser than in hospitals.
Familiarising with Local Abortion Laws
In Singapore, abortion is legal and regulated under the Termination of Pregnancy Act. Women can legally seek an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, abortions are permissible only if the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life or health.
Women seeking an abortion must fulfil one of the following criterion:
- Citizen or PR in singapore; or
- Married to a citizen of singapore ( if foreigner); or
- Holding a valid work pass issued by ministry of manpower of singapore; or
- Spouse of a work pass holder in singapore; or
- Foreigner without work pass but have stayed in singapore for > 4 months consecutively prior to abortion eg student pass holders
- Additionally, women are required to undergo mandatory pre-abortion counselling at least 48 hours before the procedure to ensure they are fully informed about the decision. Counseling can be performed by certified Counselors at certified abortion clinics.
Understanding the legal requirements in Singapore will help you navigate the abortion process more easily.
Post-procedure Care
Your body will need time to heal after an abortion. Symptoms like cramping, spotting, and mild pain are common, especially with medical abortions. Surgical abortions typically have a shorter recovery time, but it is still important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Most healthcare providers will recommend a follow-up appointment to check that the abortion is complete and there are no complications. Doing this is essential after a medical abortion, as there is a slight chance that some pregnancy tissue may remain.
Emotional recovery is equally important. Even if you were confident in your decision, feelings of sadness or regret may surface. Post-abortion counselling and support groups can offer a safe space to process these emotions.
Termination of Pregnancy by W Gynae Women's Clinic
Deciding to terminate a pregnancy isn’t to be taken lightly. You can make a better informed choice and be confident in your decision by carefully considering your emotional and practical needs.
At W Gynae Women’s Clinic, we understand how emotionally and physically challenging the decision to abort can be. Our mission is to provide compassionate care to women who are considering or undergoing the procedure.
Our gynaecologist, Dr Choey, prioritise patient safety and comfort. We offer confidential consultations in which you can discuss your concerns in a non-judgmental environment.