Incidence of Teenage Pregnancy and Support Extended to Pregnant Teens

Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Health (a) of the four in 1,000 pregnant teenagers in the last five years, what is their average age; and (b) what assistance and counselling are provided to (i) teenagers who undergo abortions and (ii) those who proceed with childbirth.

In the last five years, the average age of pregnant teenagers, defined as those aged 13 to 19, is 18 years old.

Our hospitals, particularly the KK Women's and Children's Hospital and National University Hospital, offer comprehensive support for pregnant teenagers, including antenatal care, screening for sexually transmitted infections and depressive symptoms, counselling services and educational resources. They will be cared for by a multi-disciplinary team involving doctors and nurses from the Obstetrics and Gynaecology team, as well as medical social workers. Apart from hospitals, support is also available by social service organisations in the community.

Pregnant teenagers who proceed with childbirth will be provided with emotional and practical support by the multi-disciplinary team. This includes information and resources regarding pregnancy, advice on financial assistance and following up with patients and the family to ensure compliance to antenatal and post-natal visits. Following childbirth, the teenage mother will follow-up with the multi-disciplinary team for review and counselling on contraceptive options.

Pregnant teenagers seeking an abortion in Singapore will undergo mandatory pre-abortion counselling with a trained counsellor. Unmarried teenagers below 16 years of age are required to undergo mandatory pre-abortion counselling at the Health Promotion Board Counselling Centre. The session will provide information on the abortion procedure, educate them on issues, such as responsible love, sexual behaviour and contraceptive methods, and provide advice on social support to prevent repeated unplanned pregnancies. Those who require further support and follow-up are also directed to the Family Service Centres or helplines.