Architecture is about building for the future while accounting for the past. It is not enough to build a home or a commercial space as an architect today without considering the changing needs of the ecosystem. This is a huge part of what sets Michael Fitzpatrick Architects apart from the competition, but it is also a principle that applies more broadly to our human society, even to the legal frameworks we rely on. If the community has a better understanding of how the law applies to their situation, then they can build the best future for their needs. This is why Michael Fitzpatrick Architects are proud to not just serve those who need bespoke architecture but to also promote a comprehensive guide on abortion laws in Singapore. Abortion legal in singapore is a particularly confusing premise that needs to be addressed, and we hope this article does some good.
Abortion is a complicated issue worldwide; thankfully, in Singapore, the process is formalised so that there are clear legal requirements to meet if you are seeking such a procedure. Not every country has the same approach to abortion. For example, there are countries where having an abortion is a crime subject to penalties, and there are countries where that is not the case. Abortion is even illegal in many of the individual U.S. states or is otherwise regulated in such a way that it may only be completed under certain circumstances. In Singapore, however, as stated by the Ministry of Health (MOH), abortion is legal prior to 24 weeks into a pregnancy as long as certain conditions are met.
If you are asking the question of whether abortion is legal in Singapore, the answer is yes; however, there are some stipulations to this. From a strictly medical standpoint, a woman’s right to have an abortion in Singapore starts after a doctor has confirmed the pregnancy. The abortion can be performed in an MOH approved establishment, such as the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital or one of the approved private hospitals. To be clear, an abortion is performed under anaesthesia, and nothing unsanitary is used. The decision to terminate a pregnancy is not taken lightly, and only a qualified medical professional can assess whether the procedure is appropriate.
During a consult, the doctor will assess the situation based on strict laws in Singapore to determine whether the termination is allowed to proceed. Basically, the grounds on which a woman may abort a pre-viable foetus is if the procedure is likely to harm her mental or physical health, as long as the full development of the foetus is not part of her natural situation in life. That is an exact quote from the MOH, and they are very serious about it.
The applicant must sign the forms acknowledging and consenting to the procedure. Further, the doctor performing the procedure will also be required to sign off on the request once the applicant has completed the prescribed counselling session.
If you are looking into the potential for an abortion, you should be aware that there are legal and procedural requirements in Singapore that are meant to prevent frivolity or opportunism. Though abortion is legal in Singapore, it is not so lightly undertaken, and it is an important matter.
This article has sought to provide a deeper understanding of the law surrounding abortion in Singapore, because it is important that people understand their rights. If individuals feel as though the law has failed them, then there may be grounds for legal recourse. Contacting a local law firm can get you started in determining the best action to take in the event of a poorly handled abortion.