Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (7 Oct 2014)

7 October 2014

Question No. 105

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin

Nominated MP

Question

To ask the Minister for Health (a) what is the rationale behind Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) for chromosomal abnormalities not being permissible for women undergoing IVF in Singapore, given its availability in neighbouring countries; (b) whether concern about how PGS may encourage couples to discard embryos for non-life-threatening rather than life-threatening reasons is the issue; and (c) how does the Ministry ensure that couples do not already abuse abortion for similar non-life-threatening reasons.

Answer

1        In recent years, MOH has received requests for the provision of PGS to identify chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with the aim of improving the chances of conceiving. However, these requests were not approved because the effectiveness of PGS in improving the chance of live births for women with fertility problems, such as advance maternal age, recurrent miscarriages and recurrent IVF failures, is unclear at present. In addition, there is a risk of it being used to select embryos for non-medical reasons, such as sex selection for social reasons. My Ministry will continue to review the provision of PGS as new evidence emerges.

2        Currently, there are safeguards in place for abortion. Majority of the pregnant women seeking abortions have to undergo pre-abortion counselling, where they are provided information and emotional support to aid them in making an informed decision.  This includes explanation of the medical procedures, potential risks and after-effects of undergoing an abortion. The law also mandates a “cooling-off” period of at least 48 hours from the time a woman is counselled to the time when her informed consent is obtained for the procedure. This ensures that the woman has sufficient time to consider her decision carefully.