by paadmin Pregnancy Home / Pregnancy Educational Resources F&Q He/She/they's story What is Pregnancy Handling Unplanned Pregnancy Deciding to Raise or to Adopt Termination of Pregnancy 01 If a minor becomes pregnant, does it need to be reported to the police? If you are 16 or older, and the sexual activity was consensual between both parties, there is no legal responsibility. However, if one party is under 16, the male may be guilty of the crime of "unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under 16," with a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. 02 Is abortion illegal in Hong Kong? Abortion is legal in Hong Kong, but it must be performed within 24 weeks and meet legal conditions, such as being done at a designated medical institution. 03 Can a minor give birth? Yes, but medical procedures will require a guardian’s consent. Besides medical care, you may need financial and emotional support. You can seek advice from a social worker or social service agency. 04 I'm afraid to let my parents know I'm pregnant. Can I have an abortion on my own? If you are under 18, your parents or guardian may need to sign consent forms for any surgical/medical procedures. 05 Can I continue studying or working during pregnancy? Of course! If you’re a student, you and your parents can discuss possible arrangements with the school, such as taking a leave of absence or continuing studies while pregnant. You may need to provide medical certificates or other documentation, so it’s best to consult with the school. 06 If I want to take my child back and raise them later, is that possible? Once an adoption is legally approved by the court, the custody of the child is permanently transferred to the adoptive family, and the biological parents cannot regain full custody. It’s important to fully understand the legal and emotional implications of adoption before making this decision. 07 What is an abortion like? Is it painful, and are there many side effects? The procedure varies depending on the stage of pregnancy. According to the Family Planning Association: Early pregnancy terminations can be done through surgery or medication, both having similar effectiveness and safety. Mid-term pregnancy terminations are done through intravenous injections or vaginal suppositories, and may feel more intense. Most patients who undergo a legal abortion in medical institutions experience minimal side effects. 08 I don’t have money, and I heard it’s cheaper and faster to do it in Mainland China. I’m thinking of going there. Not recommended! While many online ads offer abortion services in Mainland China, some of these "clinics/hospitals" may be operating illegally, with inconsistent medical standards, equipment, and sanitation. 09 Some doctors in Hong Kong say they can do it in their clinics, and it’s cheaper than private hospitals. These are referred to as "black market clinics," and they are illegal. These clinics are not authorized medical institutions for performing abortions, and both the provider and the patient can face imprisonment and fines for illegal abortion procedures. Avoid seeking services from such clinics. Does Becoming a Mother Always Mean Sacrificing Yourself? Under Construction