THE issue of abortion has been making headlines here, with a call for change to Singapore's abortion law. But in an announcement made recently, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan revealed that the current pro-choice abortion law  would remain the same.

Under this law, a woman can choose to abort as long as the gestation period is less than 24 weeks. Beyond that, the foetus is said to be able to survive outside the womb. The law was reviewed as a possible means to increase Singapore's dismal birth rate.

Several doctors my paper spoke to felt that the decision was the right one.

Said Dr Christopher Chong, a consultant obstetrician, gynaecologist and urogynaecologist at Gleneagles Hospital: "If abortion is not kept legal, it could lead to a lot of problems such as illegal abortions, which may be unsafe if not done correctly.

"It is good to give women a choice."

Women here also give legitimate reasons for undergoing the procedure. This is despite hearsay among health professionals that some women cite work commitment, staying slim and the need to go on holidays as reasons for an abortion.

"I have heard of such cases, but it is very rare. Usually, if the reason is non-medical, it is due to other factors such as age and financial status," Dr Chong said.

And according to figures from the Ministry of Health, the total number of abortions has not shown significant growth over the past few years.

In fact, there has been a slight decline, with 11,933 such procedures recorded last year, compared with 12,032 in 2006. Dr Chong does not perform abortions, but counsels those who intend to undergo the procedure.

His youngest patient was just 12 years old. The pregnant teenager's mother decided to have the pregnancy terminated due to the girl's young age.

Other social reasons for women to undergo an abortion include being unwed, contraceptive failure and being unsure of the paternity of the foetus.

In terms of medical reasons, an abortion may be required should either the mothers' or the foetuses' health be at risk. While it is the woman's prerogative whether she wants to terminate her pregnancy, the Government will continue to insist on counselling for those considering the procedure.

Dr John Yam, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gleneagles, said that women need to be more aware that abortion should not to be taken lightly.

"Besides considering the various physical complications such as bleeding and infection, and the psychological effects like guilt, women should realise that abortion is not a form of contraception.

"There are many options available for family planning, and abortion is not one of them," he said.

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