Woman, 22, gives birth in toilet after taking abortion pills, newborn dies in hospital
The woman was deterred by the cost of an abortion and purchased pills online instead.
A 22-year-old woman who suspected she was pregnant but was deterred by the high cost of medical check-ups chose to purchase abortion pills online.
After taking the pills, she experienced severe abdominal pain, which she initially mistook for the need to relieve herself.
However, she ended up giving birth in the toilet.
The newborn was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Newborn dies despite emergency efforts
Shin Min Daily News reported that a coroner's inquiry was held to investigate the circumstances surrounding the infant's death, which occurred on the night of July 15, 2024.
According to court documents, the 22-year-old woman had been in a relationship with a man of the same age. They had unprotected sex two to three times a month.
The woman told the court that her last menstrual period was in April that year. When her period failed to resume, she informed her boyfriend of her concerns, but he initially dismissed them.
She took a home pregnancy test around June, which came back negative. Despite her noticeable weight gain subsequently, she was too afraid to take another test.
Woman deterred by cost of medical care
By late June, the woman began consulting an obstetrics and gynecology clinic to inquire about consultation and abortion fees, but ultimately decided against it due to the high cost.
In July, she found an abortion pill online priced at RM500 (S$150) and decided to purchase it.
In the early hours of July 15, at 1.00am, she took four pills as instructed, followed by another four pills six hours later.
She felt feverish and drowsy afterwards and slept until about 4.00pm, when she began experiencing menstrual-like cramps. Between 5.30pm and 5.45pm, the abdominal pain worsened.
Believing she needed to relieve herself, she went to the bathroom. The pain intensified, prompting her to call her mother for help.
Baby born in toilet, declared dead at hospital
She eventually gave birth in the toilet. The newborn was rushed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital but was pronounced dead at 7.24pm that evening.
As the cause of the baby's death could not be determined, the coroner declared an open verdict for the case.