Abortion in Hong Kong

Abortion is available legally in Hong Kong.

Legislation

Article 47A Medical termination of pregnancy of the Offences against the Person Ordinance stipulates that termination of pregnancy is legal if the mother's life or health is at risk, or if the fetus has abnormalities that would result in serious handicaps.[1]

Termination of pregnancy which is of more than 24 weeks duration is not authorised unless two registered medical practitioners agree that the mother's life is at risk.[1]

History

On 17 February 1981, the Legislative Council voted 40 to 7 to pass the controversial abortion bill and legalised abortion in Hong Kong.[2]

Statistics

In 2004, a news report found that the abortion rate of Hong Kong was the highest in the developed world. According to government statistics, in 2001 there were 49,144 live births and hospitals performed 20,235 abortions. The abortion rate was 29.2%. However, the actual figure could be even higher because the data did not include illegal abortions performed over the border in mainland China.[3]

Medical experts attributed the high rate to inadequate sex education in schools. The stigma of abortion also forced women to get illegal abortions in Guangdong. Suvan Law Sui-wan, counsellor at charity group Mother's Choice, explained, "some of the girls are so confused, worried and frustrated and the first thing that comes to their mind is abortion. They think it is safe, quick and effective. In Chinese culture it's shameful to be unmarried and pregnant."[3]

Government statistics of legally terminated pregnancies in approved hospitals or clinics by age group from 2006 to 2015[4]
Year Age group Total
0 – 1415 – 1920 – 2425 – 2930 – 3435 – 3940 – 4445 or aboveUnknown age
200632116432012837254923501231146013510
200730119930992905261223001222148013515
200843112929002833256824141155156113199
200928105225832565230521921162141012028
20102995023852356228020641042125011231
201132101125042549232022081126114011864
20123093823612344226321561087119011298
2013168742137217922782098964107010653
2014228592035214921972007982108010359
201518774195020422074198793710809890

References
  1. "Family Health Service - Termination of pregnancy". www.fhs.gov.hk. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  2. "Hong Kong: population: legalized abortion". Data Asia. 10 (8): 7700. 1981. PMID 12262369.
  3. "Hong Kong has highest abortion rate in developed world: report". www.abc.net.au. 8 August 2004. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  4. "LCQ14: Medical procedures for termination of pregnancy". www.info.gov.hk. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
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