SINGAPORE — Only about 1 per cent of all abortions done in Singapore last year took place between the 22nd and 24th week of gestation, and of this figure, more of than half were carried out because of foetal abnormalities and medical issues.

This was revealed in Parliament on Wednesday (March 6) by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, in response to a question by Mr Alex Yam, Member of Parliament (MP) for Marsiling-Yew Tee Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

Mr Yam, who was speaking at the debate for the budget of the Ministry of Health (MOH), asked if it was time for a review and adjustment of the gestational limit for abortion.

Dr Khor said that the current limit of 24 weeks of gestation was “based on scientific evidence of foetal viability outside the womb”.

“According to local experts, as well as based on our hospitals' experience, foetal viability below 24 weeks remains low.

“Furthermore, morbidities, such as neuro-developmental disabilities, are very high among the premature babies who survived,” Dr Khor told the House.

She added that the ministry will monitor and review the matter “as new evidence emerges”.

Dr Khor said that MOH will be working with the Ministry of Social and Family Development to strengthen pre-abortion counselling, as well as to raise awareness among women with unplanned pregnancies to the options available to them, including adoption.

Mr Yam said that he has “consistently” mooted the adjustment of gestational threshold for abortion from 24 weeks to 22 weeks.

“As early as in 1991, the viability limit defined in the Motherhood Protection Act in Japan was amended from 24 to 22 weeks, based on the survival rate of extremely pre-term infants.

“I am certain if we look at the numbers in our own hospitals, that there will be similar medical justifications,” the MP added.

As early as 2014, Mr Yam had asked MOH if there was scope to review the gestational threshold. Dr Khor replied then that the Government had no plans to lower the limit.