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What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

Abortion, or the termination of pregnancy, is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy before it reaches full term. In Singapore, it is a legal and regulated option for women facing unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, medical risks, or other personal circumstances. The decision to undergo an abortion is deeply personal and often influenced by a number of factors such as health, financial stability, or emotional readiness.

Abortion Laws and Eligibility in Singapore

Abortion in Singapore is governed by the Termination of Pregnancy Act, which permits abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this period, abortions are only allowed if necessary to save the woman's life or prevent grave permanent injury to her physical or mental health. The law ensures that procedures are conducted by authorised medical practitioners in certified clinics or hospitals.

Eligibility Criteria

In Singapore, the following individuals are eligible for abortion:

  • Singapore citizens or their spouses
  • Permanent residents or their spouses
  • Foreigners who have resided in Singapore for at least four months or hold a valid work pass

In exceptional cases, such as when the woman's life is at risk, other eligibility criteria may apply.

Mandatory Requirements

  • Pre-abortion Counselling: All women must attend mandatory counselling to ensure informed decision-making.
  • Waiting Period: A 48-hour cooling-off period is required after counselling before the procedure can proceed.
  • Confidentiality: Patient information is protected by law, ensuring privacy.
  • Special Provisions for Minors: Girls under 16 must attend counselling at the Health Promotion Board and obtain a Certificate of Attendance (COA) before the procedure.

These regulations balance accessibility with ethical considerations, ensuring women receive comprehensive support.

Types of Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion available in Singapore: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Choosing between either type depends on factors such as gestational age, health conditions, and personal preferences.

1. Medical Abortion (Abortion Pill)

Medical abortion is a non-surgical method suitable for early pregnancies, typically up to 10 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. It involves taking two medications to terminate the pregnancy.

  • Mifepristone: This is the first pill, taken orally. It works by blocking progesterone, a crucial hormone necessary for the continuation of the pregnancy.
  • Misoprostol: Taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone, this medication induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue. Misoprostol may be taken orally or vaginally, as advised by your doctor.

Common side effects following an abortion include cramping, bleeding (often with clots), nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, and fatigue. These effects are typically temporary and should subside within a few days.

While medical abortion is generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Incomplete Abortion
  • Infection
  • Prolonged Bleeding
  • Allergic Reactions

Follow-up appointments are critical to confirm the procedure's success and address any complications.

2. Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed by trained doctors in a certified clinic or hospital and is suitable for both early and later-stage pregnancies (up to 24 weeks). It typically involves local or general anaesthesia for patient comfort.

Several methods may be used, depending on the stage of pregnancy:

  • Vacuum Aspiration (Suction Curettage): Used for first-trimester abortions (up to 12 weeks). A cannula is inserted into the uterus, and gentle suction removes the pregnancy tissue.
  • Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Used for early abortions (up to 14 weeks). The cervix is dilated, and a curette is used to gently scrape and remove the pregnancy tissue.
  • Dilation and Evacuation (D&E): Used for second-trimester abortions (13–24 weeks). The cervix is dilated, and instruments are used to remove the pregnancy tissue.

Common side effects include cramping, light bleeding, and mild discomfort at the procedure site.

Surgical abortion is safe when performed by qualified professionals, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. These include:

  • Uterine Perforation
  • Infection
  • Excessive Bleeding
  • Cervical Injury (might occur during dilation)
  • Incomplete Abortion

These risks are significantly reduced in accredited facilities with experienced medical practitioners.

Medical vs. Surgical Abortion: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between medical and surgical abortion depends on several factors:

  • Gestational Age: Medical abortion is limited to the first 10 weeks, while surgical abortion is available up to 24 weeks.
  • Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions of the patient may make one method safer than the other.
  • Accessibility: Medical abortion can be managed at home with follow-up care, while surgical abortion requires a clinic or hospital visit.
  • Personal Preference: Some women prefer the non-invasive option that medical abortion offers, while others would rather experience a quick and decisive procedure.

A consultation with a doctor is essential to assess individual circumstances and recommend the safest option. Accurate pregnancy dating through ultrasound or blood tests is critical to determine eligibility for each method.

Post-Abortion Care and Follow-Up

Physical recovery after an abortion is typically quick, with most women resuming normal activities within days. However, monitoring for complications is crucial. You should watch for signs such as heavy or prolonged bleeding (beyond three weeks), fever or chills, severe abdominal pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

Follow-up appointments are essential to confirm the procedure's success, screen for any infections or complications, and discuss contraception to prevent future unplanned pregnancies.

Why Choose Lien Clinic for Women

Lien Clinic for Women is a trusted provider of abortion services in Singapore, offering safe and legal procedures in a Ministry of Health-accredited facility. Led by Dr Lien, the clinic offers personalised care, including pre-abortion screening, counselling and tailored support, all while strictly protecting patient confidentiality for peace of mind.

To book a consultation, you can contact us at 6736 3331 or WhatsApp us at 9649 2533.