I APPLAUD the Ministry of Health's move to extend pre-abortion counselling to all pregnant women seeking to end their pregnancies in Singapore ("Pre-abortion counselling for all"; Tuesday).
This is a step forward in affirming the sanctity of life and protection of unborn children.
It raises the moral standard of Singapore and sends a message that children are not mere commodities whose existence is subject to our choices.
Children have an inherent self-worth, just as any other human being, and are worthy of protection.
Pre-abortion counselling will provide accurate information to pregnant women, so that they may make a more informed decision.
There are many side effects to abortion, including an elevated risk of death, increased chance of contracting cervical, ovarian and liver cancers, uterine perforation, cervical lacerations, placenta previa, and lower general health, not to mention the psychological stress that follows an abortion.
Men are free of the physical consequences of an abortion, but our women deserve to know what they are getting themselves into.
Therefore, this is not just a step that affirms life, but it is also a positive step in empowering women.
Women, too, are not mere commodities, but deserve respect and care.
We ought to stop forcing our women to conform to the demands of our society, but change our society to meet the demands of our women.
Loy Hwa Wei
This is a step forward in affirming the sanctity of life and protection of unborn children.
It raises the moral standard of Singapore and sends a message that children are not mere commodities whose existence is subject to our choices.
Children have an inherent self-worth, just as any other human being, and are worthy of protection.
Pre-abortion counselling will provide accurate information to pregnant women, so that they may make a more informed decision.
There are many side effects to abortion, including an elevated risk of death, increased chance of contracting cervical, ovarian and liver cancers, uterine perforation, cervical lacerations, placenta previa, and lower general health, not to mention the psychological stress that follows an abortion.
Men are free of the physical consequences of an abortion, but our women deserve to know what they are getting themselves into.
Therefore, this is not just a step that affirms life, but it is also a positive step in empowering women.
Women, too, are not mere commodities, but deserve respect and care.
We ought to stop forcing our women to conform to the demands of our society, but change our society to meet the demands of our women.
Loy Hwa Wei
