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Consider complementary measures to pre-abortion counselling

I refer to the letters, “Pre-abortion counselling should be holistic, affirming” (Dec 8) and “Provide support, comfort to all women mulling over abortion” (Dec 6).

I refer to the letters, “Pre-abortion counselling should be holistic, affirming” (Dec 8) and “Provide support, comfort to all women mulling over abortion” (Dec 6).

The proposal by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to extend pre-abortion counselling to all women seeking an abortion here should indeed be applauded.

In tandem with this, it would be meaningful if the Government could consider introducing greater measures to provide single mothers, especially those who become one inadvertently, with a stronger safety net and support system.

Health care is not restricted to operative procedures and pharmaceuticals. Delivery of holistic care includes counselling and other types of treatment that address a patient’s psychological, environmental and spiritual needs.

Perhaps, the MOH can consider implementing complementary measures to ensure that the effectiveness of pre-abortion counselling will not be diminished and to make pregnant women more aware of viable alternatives to abortion.

First, the MOH can invest in the training of counsellors and specialists.

It can collaborate with other relevant ministries or non-governmental organisations to train counsellors who would specialise in this area of pregnancy and motherhood, to meet the demands of an increased number of women qualifying for pre-abortion counselling.

These counsellors would be well-placed as a single point of access for pregnant women to obtain advice about the gestational age of the unborn child, as well as information on foetal development and the risks of abortion, including the physical and mental effects.

Moreover, the counselling sessions can function as a one-stop referral system to direct pregnant women to available resources, for example, family service centres, single-parent agencies, women’s shelters and adoption agencies.

Second, the Government could consider enacting strict safeguards to ensure the counsellors are independent parties who have the welfare and best interests of the pregnant woman at heart.

To avoid conflict of interest, the medical professional conducting the abortion and the counsellor should not be the same person.

A clear separation would protect the woman, who may be at her most vulnerable state, from being taken advantage of by profit-seeking parties.

Third, a 24-hour crisis hotline could be manned jointly by the Ministry of Social and Family Development or other relevant ministries, so that pregnant women can obtain immediate help and advice.

Alternatively, existing hotlines run by charities, volunteers or non-profit organisations can be provided with additional funding.

Women who face an unexpected pregnancy need support. They should be given the opportunity to arrive at a decision free of undue pressures, especially concerning a decision that may have long-term consequences on their physical and emotional well-being.

Lastly, the Government could spearhead a nationwide campaign to encourage adoption.

Given the low birth rate and difficulty some couples face in conceiving, more light could be shed on the adoption process for the benefit of pregnant women who may look for a safe family and caring couple prepared to welcome a child into their hearts and home.

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