Women decide to have abortions due to health complications, poor timing, or simply not wanting to continue a pregnancy. If you are a citizen or resident of Singapore, you have a legal right to choose an abortion.
Having a legal right and deciding to use it are two different things. Many women struggle with the decision whether or not to have an abortion because they don’t have the right information or the information that they have is incomplete.
Using the information at your disposal to make an informed choice about abortion can lead to better health outcomes and more security in your choice. Here are a few tips on how to prepare yourself for the choices around abortion.
Consult with a Doctor Offering Abortions
To get complete information about abortions, the best source is a doctor who performs abortions as part of this practice, usually an OB-GYN by specialty. Most OB-GYNs who perform abortions will say so on their website and offer consultations for patients who are thinking about this procedure.
A consultation is important because you can ask any questions you have and build trust with the doctor. You want someone who offers confidential pregnancy termination SG or or in a location convenient to you and has experience performing this type of procedure. While abortions are safe medical procedures, you still want someone with relevant experience to guide you through the process.
A consultation appointment or even a quick look at the office website can help you decide if this doctor is the right person to consult with for your abortion. If you do not notice that the doctor values confidentiality, patient care, and transparency, or that they don’t answer your questions fully, seek a different doctor who will help you make informed choices.
Get Informed About Different Types of Abortion
Doctors recommend different types of abortions depending on the stage of pregnancy, medical needs, and the budget of the patient. While your doctor can help you come to a final decision, researching the different types before your appointment can help you know which questions to ask and which choice you would prefer to make.
Most abortions are either medical or surgical abortions. Medical abortions happen by taking medication. Patients take two pills over the span of 1-2 days that terminate the pregnancy. This method is not physically invasive, but it is only possible in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
For later stages of pregnancy, surgical abortions using medical tools and suction are recommended. These are performed in surgical clinics.
A third, less common type of abortion is an induction, when a medical team induces labor to deliver a fetus prematurely. Inductions are only performed in the later stages of pregnancy (after 14 weeks).
Researching different abortion methods and their effects is an important step in making an informed decision about your body. While your doctor will help you come to a final decision, having the right information beforehand can help you feel more prepared.
Talk to Your Doctor About Potential Side Effects
Modern abortions are safe medical procedures with very low complication and fatality rates. However, you should expect side effects, some recovery time, and changes to your body.
After a medical abortion, you can expect side effects such as heavy bleeding, cramping, and nausea. Most women who choose this option need painkillers. Surgical abortions are relatively pain-free but require an entire day in surgery and downtime afterward.
Information about potential side effects and complications is not meant to scare you. It is necessary to help you feel more prepared for the procedure rather than experiencing unwanted surprises.
It is also important to know about side effects so that you can make a plan for recovery. Knowing what to expect after your abortion can help you decide whether or not to take time off work or arrange for someone to help take care of you as you recover.
Don’t Ignore Your Emotions
Abortions have emotional effects in addition to physical ones. Even if you are completely certain that an abortion is the right choice for you at this moment, you may still feel complicated emotions after the fact. The hormonal changes after abortions make emotions feel even more heightened.
Your doctor may be able to give you advice about the emotional effects, but seek out other sources of information as well. Hotlines can provide advice about what to expect, while support groups can connect you to other women who have had abortions.
Making Informed Decisions About Abortion
Having the right information is crucial when making a decision about any medical procedure, including abortion. There are many resources in Singapore to help you learn about different abortion types, potential side effects, and what to expect during recovery.
The best resource for making an informed choice is always a medical professional. Book a consultation to discuss your options with a doctor, and together you can make a decision about what is right for you.
