Extension of Consultation Period for Voluntary Sterilization Act

Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will (a) extend the four-week public consultation period for the proposed amendments to the Voluntary Sterilization Act; and/or (b) conduct focused groups discussions to seek inputs from key stakeholders such as families and advocacy groups, including voluntary welfare organisations looking after the interests of the vulnerable.

Between May and July 2012, my Ministry sought the inputs of the public and interested parties through both my Ministry's and the REACH's websites. The proposed amendments to the Voluntary Sterilization Act (VSA) and the public consultation were reported by the local media. We also met with various groups, including medical practitioners and other interested parties.

Based on the feedback received, the stakeholders and the public were generally supportive of the proposed changes as they understood the rationale of the move to return the autonomy on decisions concerning voluntary sterilisation to persons who have mental capacity.

We have received valuable inputs from the consultation, and used them to refine the proposed amendments to the VSA, including the strengthening of provisions for vulnerable members of our society. Moreover, feedback channels are always open for anyone with concerns. As such, we have not extended the period for this public consultation.

Page: 787

I have introduced the Voluntary Sterilization (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, and I will elaborate on the proposed amendments at the Second Reading of the Bill. The proposed amendments to the VSA would also enable Singapore to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.