ABORTIONS

Mdm Claire Chiang See Ngoh asked the Minister for Health, since the law does not provide for parental consent for an abortion decision, who will be held responsible when a 14-year-old dies during an abortion procedure.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Under the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act, a pregnant woman who:

(a) is a citizen of Singapore or is the wife of a citizen of Singapore;

(b) is the holder, or is the wife of a holder, of an employment pass or a work permit pass issued under the Immigration Act; or

(c) has been resident in Singapore for a period of at least 4 months immediately preceding the date on which such treatment is to be carried out. can have an abortion performed by an authorised medical practitioner after consenting in writing.

Regulation 5(2) and (3) of the TOP Act makes it mandatory for an unmarried girl below 16 years of age who seeks an abortion to undergo pre-abortion counselling. Such counselling is provided by trained nurses and medical social workers at the School Health Counselling Clinic.

If the patient dies while undergoing an abortion procedure, an autopsy will be conducted. Under the law, all deaths resulting from complications arising from operative procedures are reportable to the Coroner. The Coroner will conduct an inquiry to determine the cause of death and the persons responsible. This is the procedure regardless of age of the patient.