The legal framework
The Offences Against the Person Ordinance permits termination where two registered medical practitioners agree in good faith that continuing the pregnancy would risk the life or the physical or mental health of the woman more than termination, or that there is a substantial risk of serious handicap, or where the pregnancy results from unlawful intercourse in prescribed circumstances.
Key points
| Time limit | 24 weeks, except where necessary to save the woman's life |
|---|---|
| Approval | Two registered medical practitioners |
| Where | Approved hospitals and clinics only |
| Minors | Parental consent generally required for those under 16 |
| Providers | Public hospitals and the Family Planning Association |
| Confidentiality | Medical confidentiality applies |
| Ordinance | Offences Against the Person Ordinance, with statutory grounds |
| Two doctors | Both must certify the ground |
| Designated premises | Only approved hospitals and the Family Planning Association |
In practice
- Contact the Family Planning Association or a public hospital for assessment.
- Bring identification and any documentation of the pregnancy dating.
- Expect counselling as part of the process.
- Ask about contraception before leaving.
- Contact the Family Planning Association first: waiting times are usually shorter than in hospitals.
- Bring identity documents; residence status affects the fee.
Cost and coverage
Subsidised in the public system for eligible residents; private care is considerably more expensive.
Recent changes
The two-doctor requirement and limited number of approved facilities are the main practical constraints.
Where to go
- Family Planning Association of Hong Kong.
- Public hospital obstetrics departments.
- Youth health services for under-18s.
Worth knowing
Approved-facility rules are enforced: procedures outside approved hospitals or clinics are unlawful even within the time limit, which matters if you are offered an informal arrangement. Only a small number of premises are approved, so appointment availability, not the legal limit, is usually what decides whether you are in time.
Official sources and links
- GovHK — official government portal