Mandatory Counselling before Abortion Procedures to Include Booklets on Various Alternatives to Abortion and Avenues of Support for Single Mothers

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Health whether the mandatory counselling, before the procedures for abortion are to be carried out, can include booklets on the various alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, and the avenues of support for single mothers.

MOH, MSF and HPB have just recently updated the contents of the pre-abortion counselling booklet which is made available as part of mandatory counselling. This booklet includes the alternatives to abortion, such as raising the child or putting the child up for adoption, as well as resources and social support available for each of these choices. The updated booklet has been circulated to all approved institutions under the Termination of Pregnancy Act as of 31 March 2022.