Exploring Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) in Hong Kong: A Legal for Options Unplanned Pregnancy
- One of the legal options for unplanned pregnancy in Hong Kong is Termination of Pregnancy.
- TOP is legal in Hong Kong under specific conditions and can only be performed by registered doctors at designated facilities. The procedure is limited to pregnancies under 24 weeks, with certain requirements for accessing services.
There are three legal options for unplanned pregnancy in Hong Kong, namely parenting (raising the child), adoption and termination of pregnancy (TOP, commonly known as abortion).
Apart from knowing the legal options, there are other aspects you need to consider when making a decision regarding your pregnancy. In this article series, we will explore the consideration for Termination of Pregnancy (TOP, commonly known as abortion).
Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, Termination of Pregnancy (TOP), commonly known as abortion, is legal under specific conditions.
TOP can only be legally performed by registered doctors at designated facilities, including the Family Planning Association (for pregnancies under 10 weeks), Queen Mary Hospital, and private hospitals. Other public hospitals will only conduct TOP for medical emergencies. Additionally, the procedure cannot be performed after 24 weeks unless it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. If you are certain that you do not wish to continue the pregnancy, it is crucial to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
| Family Planning Association | Maximum Gestation Period: 10 weeks | Estimated Cost (2024) – Eligible Persons: $3,800 | Estimated Cost (2024) – Non-eligible Persons: From $5,000 |
| Queen Mary Hospital | Maximum Gestation Period: 20 weeks | Estimated Cost (2024) – Eligible Persons:$120 / day + $75 admission fee (in patient) | Estimated Cost (2024) – Non-eligible Persons: $5,100/day (in-patient) |
| Other Public hospitals | Maximum Gestation Period: Only for medical reasons | Estimated Cost (2024) – Eligible Persons:$120 / day + $75 admission fee (in patient) | Estimated Cost (2024) – Non-eligible Persons: $5,100/day (in-patient) |
| Private hospital | Maximum Gestation Period: 22 weeks | Estimated Cost (2019) – Eligible Persons:From $22,000 | Estimated Cost (2019) – Non-eligible Persons: From $22,000 |
Important Notes: If you are ineligible for TOP at the Family Planning Association (for instance, if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant), the only legal option in Hong Kong will be to seek a private hospital, which typically costs over HK$22,000.
Choosing TOP
If you feel unprepared for parenthood and alternative options don’t suit your situation, consider the possibility of a Termination of Pregnancy (TOP). Before diving into specifics, reflect on these important questions: What is truly best for my child? What are my long-term goals for myself and my family?
To help prevent crises related to unplanned pregnancies, keep the following in mind:
- Consistent Birth Control: Use effective birth control methods if you’re not ready for children.
- Emergency Options: If you’ve had unprotected intercourse, you can take Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) within 72 to 120 hours or have a Copper “T” Intrauterine Device (IUCD) inserted within 5 days, after consulting your doctor.
- If You Discover You’re Pregnant: Should you find out you’re pregnant and choose not to continue, reach out to the Family Planning Association for medical and counseling support.
- Explore Your Options: Look into all legal choices regarding unplanned pregnancy, such as parenting, adoption, and TOP. PathFinders offers assistance to migrant domestic workers facing pregnancy, helping them make informed decisions and plans.
Self-abortion
Self-abortion refers to the act of terminating a pregnancy by taking substances—such as medicines or herbal drinks—without medical supervision. This practice is illegal in many regions, including Hong Kong, where individuals may face prosecution, fines, or imprisonment if found guilty. Beyond legal repercussions, self-abortion poses significant health risks, which can include life-threatening complications. According to the World Health Organization, the physical health risks associated with unsafe abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion (failure to expel all pregnancy tissue from the uterus)
- Haemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
- Infection
- Uterine perforation (caused by sharp objects piercing the uterus)
- Damage to the genital tract and internal organs due to the insertion of dangerous objects into the vagina or anus.
These risks highlight the critical need for safe, legal, and supervised medical care for individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.
Source: Family Planning Association (FPA), The Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities (ORPHF), World Health Organization (WHO)
PathFinders is a charity that helps migrant domestic workers who have become pregnant, given birth to children in Hong Kong, or have overstayed their visa.
All our services are FREE of charge.
Learn more about PathFinders:
https://www.pathfinders.org.hk/en
For General Inquiries:
Email us at info@pathfinders.org.hk, or send us a message on our Facebook page (PathFindersHK / PathFinders for Migrant Workers).
Client hotline for pregnant migrant workers, or migrant domestic workers with children: +852 5190 4886. (Sun-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm)
Address: Unit 2D, Worldwide Centre, 123 Tung Chau Street Tai KoK Tsui, Kowloon