What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion is a pregnancy that is terminated through the use of medicines or pills. It sounds simple, but it is important to understand that abortion pills are not 100% effective. You also need to know exactly how far along your pregnancy is, and you should be prepared for a miscarriage to occur. Some 10% to 15% of such miscarriages may result in complications that require more involved surgical procedures to remove retained pregnancy tissue.
How Does Medical Abortion in Singapore Work?
In Singapore, medical abortions have been performed for many years using a medication called misoprostol (Cytotec). This medicine is officially approved to treat and prevent stomach ulcers, not specifically for abortion, but one of its side effects — causing uterine contractions — can be used to help terminate a pregnancy. This is considered an “off-label” use of the drug.
When misoprostol is used alone for abortion, it can be more painful, as it causes the womb to contract strongly to expel the pregnancy. Because it is relatively inexpensive, this method is widely used in our region.
A more specific abortion medication, mifepristone (also known as RU-486 or Mifegyne), has become available more recently. This drug directly targets pregnancy cells and improves effectiveness when used with misoprostol.
At our clinic, we offer what is considered the gold standard regimen, where both medicines are taken over an 8-hour period in a coordinated course of 13 tablets. This regimen has a higher success rate when taken under medical supervision. The cost of this premium package starts from $1,000.
Can I Buy Abortion Pills Over the Counter?
No, you cannot purchase these medicines and take them on your own without consultation, examination, and counselling. In Singapore, you must be properly assessed by qualified specialists who are licensed to practise abortion services. You also must complete mandatory counselling followed by a 48-hour waiting period before the abortion can be performed.
The entire medical abortion process must be supervised by a trained clinician, or else you may face more problems and complications. Cramping and vaginal bleeding are common after taking abortion pills, and should stop after a few days or weeks. However, do not assume that having these two symptoms means that a miscarriage has occurred; many women with ongoing pregnancies can also experience such symptoms. If you develop symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, persistent headaches, heavy bleeding, or intense abdominal or back pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What to Expect After Medical Abortion?
Unlike surgical aspiration, where the womb is cleared during a brief procedure and you can usually go home knowing the process is complete, medical abortion requires follow-up visits. You must return to the doctor to:
- Confirm that the abortion pills have been effective,
- Ensure that the miscarriage has fully occurred, and
- Check that you are not experiencing complications such as retained tissue or infection.
How Much Does Abortion Pill Cost in Singapore?
The price of abortion pills in Singapore varies depending on many factors, including the type of drug regimen used, the clinic or hospital setting, the doctor’s professional fee, and the gestational age of the pregnancy. Even with the optimal combination of drugs, success cannot be guaranteed, and some patients may still require additional treatment.
If complications occur — such as prolonged bleeding, incomplete miscarriage, or the need for surgical intervention — additional costs will apply. Therefore, total costs can range from approximately $1,000 to $4,500, depending on how your body responds and whether extra treatment is needed.
Additional review visits and treatment for complications can increase the overall expense beyond the initial estimate.
Why is Medical Abortion Performed?
Some patients choose medical abortion because it can be done in the comfort and privacy of their home and does not involve surgery. It may also be perceived as a more “natural” process since it resembles a miscarriage. It is often less expensive than surgical abortion and does not require anaesthesia.
However, medical abortion is not without downsides. It can be painful and may result in days or even weeks of bleeding and discomfort. Because of the possibility of prolonged pain and complications, thorough counselling and careful consideration are essential before deciding on this option.
Who Should Consider Medical Abortion Pills in Singapore?
Medical abortion is generally recommended only for pregnancies less than 7 weeks, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from the date of conception.
It may be an option for women who would rather avoid surgery and are prepared for the stress and pain associated with a miscarriage. However, you should be aware that if the pills fail to work, surgical intervention will still be needed. Medical abortion may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with certain medical conditions or more advanced pregnancies.
Is Medical Abortion the Right Procedure for You?
Medical abortion is not appropriate for everyone, and expert medical advice should be sought. Self-medication with pills sourced overseas or without supervision is risky and can lead to serious complications.
The process must follow the legal abortion framework in Singapore, including counselling by approved counsellors and assessment by a qualified specialist. Although the medications may seem straightforward, there are multiple protocols for inducing miscarriage, and an experienced doctor is best positioned to choose the most appropriate one for each patient. Only a tailored approach can optimize safety and outcomes.
Risks of Taking Abortion Pills
Like any medical procedure, medical abortion carries potential risks, including:
- The possibility that the pills may not work, as no regimen has a 100% success rate
- Increased risk of complications if follow-up monitoring is not done by a medical professional
- Pelvic infections, which can spread to other parts of the body
- Future fertility issues if infections go undiagnosed
- Upper genital tract infections or ectopic pregnancy risks
- Hospitalisation due to complications from miscarriage
- Psychological stress, as some women may experience post-traumatic stress symptoms after a pill-induced miscarriage
Meet Our Doctor
Dr Jen Shek Wei
Consultant OBGYN & Abortion Doctor
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (O&G) (Singapore), FRCOG (London), FAMS (Singapore)
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (O&G) (Singapore), FRCOG (London), FAMS (Singapore)
With over 30 years of experience, Dr Jen is a dedicated gynaecologist and abortion doctor known for his compassionate approach and unwavering commitment to women’s health.
After completing his medical training in Singapore and the United Kingdom, Dr Jen served in several public hospitals before establishing his clinic in Ang Mo Kio to provide accessible care to the community.
Dr Jen has published numerous academic articles in the field of OBGYN and was recognised as a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (London) in 1999.
Today, he continues to provide high-quality, personalised and supportive care to all patients that he sees.