ALTHOUGH Singapore now needs more babies, the country's pro-choice abortion law will not be changed.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan gave two main reasons for it.
One, the abortion policy was not put in place to curb population growth.
When abortion was made legal in 1974, it was to 'safeguard the health and well-being of the woman who has, for various reasons, decided to terminate her pregnancy', Mr Khaw told Parliament on Wednesday.
Two, restricting or forbidding abortion would not help to grow the population. 'It is simplistic to assume that one fewer abortion equals one more baby,' he said.
Hong Kong and Poland have banned abortion on demand, only allowing it if it is to save the mother's life.
But Mr Khaw noted that their fertility rates were no better than Singapore's 1.29. This is way below the 2.1 rate for a population to maintain its size in the long run.
Mr Khaw was replying to MP Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) and Nominated MP Siew Kum Hong.
Mr Siew had asked if the Government would stick with the pro-choice law, while Mr de Souza had asked if it would consider shortening the 24-week timeframe for abortion.
Rejecting his call, Mr Khaw said there was no medical evidence to support such a change.
The timeframe is accepted by medical experts as the cut-off mark for abortions as after six months in the womb, the foetus is said to be able to survive outside of it.
Mr Khaw said he had consulted medical experts once again in preparing his answer.
They told him the timeframe was still valid, as the latest studies show the survival rate of a foetus dropped sharply prior to 24 weeks in gestation.
Should future research show otherwise, then the timeframe could be reviewed, the experts added.
'So that is the position that I take.
'Let us base our decision purely on science so that we take the emotions out of this particular subject,' said Mr Khaw, adding that the abortion issue has always generated emotional and opposing views.
In the meantime, the Government will continue to insist on counselling for all women considering abortion, the minister said.
It would open their eyes to the risks involved and other options, such as carrying the baby to full-term and then giving it up for adoption.
Women who choose this route will be paired with couples seeking to adopt via the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry and non-governmental organisations.
'This is the current arrangement, and I think we will continue with it,' said Mr Khaw.
-The Straits Times, Aug 28 2008