Navigating Pre-Marital Pregnancies in Singapore: Perceptions, Policies and Challenges

Is it taboo in Singapore to get pregnant before marriage? Traditional societal attitudes towards premarital pregnancies have evolved over time, with contemporary views becoming more accepting, especially among younger generations. However, social and cultural factors continue to play a significant role in shaping perceptions and policies affecting unwed mothers and their children.

Evolution of Societal Attitudes

Traditionally, there was a strong stigma surrounding premarital pregnancies in Singapore. Family and societal pressures pushed individuals towards marriage before bearing children. However, with the influence of modernization, a shift towards more accepting attitudes has emerged, particularly among younger age groups. Contemporary society tends to view unmarried pregnancies less negatively, in part due to governmental efforts and support for unwed parents.

Government Initiatives and Support

The Singapore government and various organizations promote family planning and provide support for unwed parents. Despite these efforts, some conservative segments of society hold traditional views, leading to varying degrees of acceptance based on cultural and religious backgrounds. Initiatives such as family planning programs and support networks for unwed parents aim to alleviate some of the challenges faced by such individuals.

Challenges and Perceptions

Despite these advancements, it is still common for premarital pregnancies to face social reluctance in Singapore. For instance, unwed mothers often encounter difficulties obtaining housing (such as HDB flats) and receiving government benefits. Even now, the situation for unmarried pregnant women remains challenging. For example:

HDB Flats: 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, but unmarried mothers have no option to purchase a new HDB flat. Policies like this contribute to the perception that unwed pregnancies are still not entirely accepted. Maternity Leave: Until the end of 2016, unmarried pregnant women were not eligible for extended Government-paid maternity leave, further emphasizing the ongoing stigma. Baby Bonus: Unwed mothers do not receive the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, which is offered to married parents with additional support for the first and second child. This differential treatment indirectly affects the child and can perpetuate a sense of social disadvantage.

The Call for Change

My personal experience and observations suggest that while societal attitudes are improving, there is still a long way to go. The child and the unwed mother should not be seen as underprivileged due to these policies. Instead, a shift in government policies could be significant in changing public perception.

The government has started moving in the right direction by ensuring that all mothers, regardless of marital status, receive certain benefits. From infant care and child care subsidies, Medisave grant for newborns, and the foreign domestic worker levy concession, these initiatives aim to provide similar levels of support to unwed mothers.

Conclusion

While societal attitudes towards premarital pregnancies in Singapore are becoming more accepting, significant challenges remain. Government policies and public perception must evolve to provide a supportive environment for unwed mothers and their children. As Singapore continues to modernize, it's crucial to ensure that all individuals are treated with the same level of respect and support, irrespective of their marital status.