Family & gender — Topics

2 Mar 2021

Increasing Number of Patients and Subsidy for Pre-implantation Genetic Screening

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of Health to expand the Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) pilot to include any patient regardless of prognosis and to fully subsidize the costs to increase enrollment.
The Ministry clarified that the PGS pilot is limited to women meeting specific clinical criteria to ensure safety and effectiveness, with funding covering half of consumables costs, resulting in patient charges of about $1,100 per test plus biopsy fees.
A high attrition rate was noted, with only 104 out of 367 enrolled patients undergoing PGS, due to factors like cost, changes of mind, and medical reasons; the Ministry is exploring ways to support affordability and continue data collection.

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1 Mar 2021

Average Number of Occupants in 1- and 2-room Rental Flats

Leon Perera asked for the number of children and average occupants in 1- and 2-room rental flats.
Desmond Lee stated there are about 4,000 children in 1-room flats and 18,000 in 2-room flats.
The average occupants per unit with children are three for 1-room flats and four for 2-room flats.
Families with three or more members can request to move from 1-room to 2-room flats or apply for two adjacent rental flats.
Larger families may be offered 3-room rental flats on a case-by-case basis.

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26 Feb 2021

Postpartum Complications, Infant Health and Mental Health Issues during COVID-19 Pandemic

Raeesah Khan asked if there has been an increase in postpartum complications, infant health issues, and mental health problems during the pandemic due to limited family support and caretakers, and what steps MOH has taken.
MOH reported no observed increase in postpartum complications or infant health issues at public hospitals, and Medical Social Workers assist parents with skills and post-discharge support when support issues are raised.
The Institute of Mental Health’s helpline saw a 48% rise in calls from April to December 2020, linked to COVID-19 anxieties, but not specifically to family or caretaking support issues.
MOH collaborated with AIC and community partners to support mental wellbeing, including phone outreach, home visits for high-risk clients, and the launch of the National CARE Hotline, which handled nearly 38,000 calls by end-2020 with a recent decline.
A COVID-19 Mental Wellness Taskforce was set up in October 2020 to assess existing initiatives and address gaps in meeting mental health needs during the pandemic.

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26 Feb 2021

Provision of Medical Certificates to Husbands Accompanying Wives for In-vitro Fertilisation Treatments at Public Hospital

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of Health will require doctors to issue medical certificates to husbands accompanying wives for IVF treatments at public hospitals.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that medical certificates are only issued to patients on medical grounds, and husbands accompanying wives for IVF do not receive MCs, though doctors may provide memos for employers to consider.
Gan Kim Yong encouraged employers to be supportive by offering flexibility such as time-off or work-from-home arrangements for husbands during their wives' IVF treatments.

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26 Feb 2021

Application for Waiver of Resale Levy by Seniors and Single Parents with Dependants

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked for the number of appeals and successful waivers for resale levy from seniors applying for 2-room Flexi flats and single parents with children over the past three years.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB does not track appeals by specific groups but has assisted seniors by capping the resale levy at $30,000 and adjusting it based on lease length, with 6,460 senior households benefiting from 2018 to 2020.
HDB also flexibly handled appeals from single parents, approving 535 cases from 2018 to 2020 to reduce or defer the resale levy for those with children.
The government aims to ensure fair subsidy allocation while providing targeted relief for seniors and single parents facing financial or housing needs.
Households needing help with the resale levy can approach HDB for case-by-case assistance.

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26 Feb 2021

Number of Male Pre-school Teachers

The Government is investing in the preschool sector, which currently has over 22,000 educators, with more than 160 being male, and plans to continue attracting more people to join the sector through various programmes and incentives.
Measures such as Training Awards, the Professional Conversion Programme, and the Place-and-Train Programme are in place to encourage both new entrants and mid-career switchers to become preschool teachers.
Male educators are recognized as valuable for bringing different strengths and perspectives, offering male role models, and contributing to areas like Mother Tongue Language and outdoor learning.
Challenges in recruiting male preschool teachers include societal misperceptions that the sector is more suited for women, and efforts are ongoing to change these views through national campaigns.
The Government aims to achieve a better balance between male and female preschool educators over time by debunking stereotypes and encouraging mindset shifts.

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26 Feb 2021

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

The debate centered on the Smart Nation initiative’s role in Singapore’s response to COVID-19, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools like TraceTogether and SingPass, and discussed the future of digital infrastructure including 5G rollout and cross-border digital identity solutions.
Concerns were raised about data security, the handling of classified information by public servants, and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable groups from scams and financial fraud in an increasingly digital society.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on Singapore’s low fertility rate, with calls for enhanced support for marriage and parenthood, including financial incentives, better childcare support, and policies to encourage shared parental responsibilities.
The corruption case involving Keppel Offshore and Marine was noted as complex and transnational, with ongoing investigations; members called for updates and suggested strengthening anti-corruption laws.
The Public Service’s efforts in upskilling, employment support, and adopting flexible work arrangements were discussed, with emphasis on ensuring lifelong employability and leading by example in progressive workplace practices.

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25 Feb 2021

Queries Related to Waitlist Position for Preschools Received in Past Five Years

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the number of queries ECDA received about preschool waitlist positions over the past five years and whether preschools should be required to tell parents their queue position.
The Minister responded that parents can register interest via the Preschool Search Portal (PSP) or contact preschools directly, but queue positions are not provided due to administrative challenges and the voluntary nature of PSP registration.
ECDA does not track the number of waitlist position queries and advises parents to check directly with preschools, which have discretion in enrolment policies, while ECDA encourages transparency in communication.

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25 Feb 2021

Study on Demand and Need for Night-time Childcare Services

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the data collected, findings, and timeline for the Ministry’s study on night-time childcare demand.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M noted that most childcare centres operate standard hours, with only about 3% extending past 7 pm, and that current arrangements generally meet most parents’ needs.
The Ministry highlighted that some families, especially shift workers or those without alternative caregivers, may struggle, and engagement under the Community Link pilot suggested potential demand for night-time services.
The Ministry is considering a pilot for night-time childcare at a ComLink site to better assess demand and sustainability, though no conclusion date for the overall study was specified.

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25 Feb 2021

Identifying, Diagnosing and Raising Awareness of Post Natal Depression in Singapore

Ms Raeesah Khan asked about the prevalence, identification, and awareness support for paternal postnatal depression (PPND) in Singapore.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that local studies estimate PPND prevalence at 1.8% six weeks after birth, though MOH does not track it routinely.
Hospitals may assess spouses during maternal consultations for risk factors, and affected fathers are referred to polyclinics or mental health professionals.
Community initiatives like KidSTART screen for paternal depression during home visits and direct individuals for further assessment.
MOH will continue to monitor and respond to the mental health needs of the population.

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25 Feb 2021

Impact of Excluding Single Unwed Parents from Receiving Parenthood Tax Rebates and Working Mother's Child Relief

Louis Ng asked whether excluding single unwed parents from tax rebates reduces single unwed parenthood and sought findings on the reduction rate.
Heng Swee Keat clarified that the Parenthood Tax Rebate and Working Mother’s Child Relief are not designed to reduce single unwed parenthood.
He stated no studies have been done to measure causal links between these tax policies and single unwed parenthood rates.
The tax reliefs specifically support parenthood within marriage and encourage married mothers to continue working after childbirth.
The government will continue reviewing tax policies in light of prevailing societal concerns and values.

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24 Feb 2021

Monthly Breakdown of Singaporean Women Who Underwent Abortions in 2020

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim requested a monthly breakdown of abortions performed on Singaporean women in 2020.
Minister Gan Kim Yong responded that there were 4,029 abortions in total during that period.
The Minister provided a monthly breakdown in a table, but the specific numbers per month were not detailed in the speeches.

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24 Feb 2021

Proposal to Allow Legislated Childcare Leave to be Taken in Parts

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed allowing parents to take legislated childcare leave in smaller parts, such as several-hour blocks, for ad-hoc childcare needs without requiring full-day leave.
The government confirmed that childcare leave for parents of young children is already available in flexible durations shorter than a full day, subject to mutual employer-employee agreement.
Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are emphasized as key to helping parents manage childcare needs without using leave, with initiatives to promote FWA adoption and unpaid leave for urgent caregiving.
The government will continue collaborating with tripartite partners to normalize FWAs in workplaces to better support working parents.

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24 Feb 2021

Incidence of Domestic Violence Against Children Aged 12 and Under in Blended Families

The Minister for Social and Family Development reported that 70–75% of investigated cases of domestic violence against children aged 12 and under in 2018–2019 involved households with one or both biological parents, with the remainder including blended families and other household structures.
The government emphasizes zero tolerance for all forms of family violence and abuse against children, urging the public to report concerns to ensure timely protection and assistance.
The National Anti-Violence Helpline (1800-777-0000) was highlighted as a dedicated 24-hour resource for reporting violence and abuse, consolidating support from existing helplines.

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16 Feb 2021

National Study on Root Causes and Extent of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children for Design of Corrective Policies and Programmes

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16 Feb 2021

Cycles of In-vitro Fertilisation Required for Successful Pregnancy

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2 Feb 2021

Plans to Systematically Compile Preferred Gender Pronouns for Students

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Education whether it plans to systematically compile students' preferred gender pronouns with parental consent and ensure teachers respect them in class.
Lawrence Wong responded that the Ministry will not compile pronouns for all students but will instead support each student diagnosed with gender dysphoria on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry will work with the parents and medical professionals in providing this individualised support for such students.

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2 Feb 2021

Instituting Different Tiers of Childcare Leave to Cater for Families with More Children

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed introducing tiered childcare leave so parents with more children receive additional days.
Indranee Rajah responded that childcare leave has been progressively enhanced, including increases from two to six days and the introduction of Extended Childcare Leave for older children.
The government balances caregiving needs with employers’ manpower and operational requirements, and any changes must consider parents' employability.
Beyond legislated leave, the focus is on promoting family-friendly work environments through Tripartite Standards and flexible working arrangements.
Over 85% of employers offered some form of flexible working arrangements in 2019, with efforts ongoing to normalize these practices to support working parents.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of First-time Parents in Singapore in Past Five Years and Help Schemes Available

From 2015 to 2019, an average of 15,234 mothers had their first child and 11,548 had their second, with married women averaging close to two children and 92% intending to have at least two.
The government provides extensive support through the Marriage and Parenthood Package, including cash gifts and account contributions for child-raising, healthcare benefits like MediSave grants and free vaccinations, and preschool subsidies with means-tested options.
Additional support covers educational subsidies from primary to tertiary levels, generous parental and childcare leave entitlements, and workplace standards for flexible work arrangements.
Take-up rates are high, with about 99% of eligible children from 2015–2019 enrolled in the Baby Bonus Scheme and majority using maternity, paternity, and childcare leave.

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2 Feb 2021

Children Without Child Development Accounts

Seah Kian Peng asked how many eligible children have not opened a Child Development Account (CDA) and what can be done for them, with Masagos Zulkifli noting that about 1.8% or 8,200 children from 2008–2020 cohorts had not opened one as of December 2020, but the number is expected to decrease.
The government highlighted accessible ways to apply for a CDA via the Baby Bonus website, LifeSG app, and hospital kits, with regular reminders sent to parents and outreach to low-income families through KidSTART agencies.
Parents are encouraged to open a CDA to receive a $3,000 First Step Grant and co-matched savings for education and healthcare expenses, with continued efforts to help more families benefit.

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