Chinese Medicine

Abortion: 2025 Fees & Procedures at HK Private Hospitals

Author Bowtie Team

Updated on 2025-07-29

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Curious about when and how legal pregnancy termination (commonly known as abortion) is allowed in Hong Kong? Discover the process, methods, and essential tips from the Bowtie team, plus a handy fee comparison across private hospitals. Remember, VHIS plans exclude coverage for any pregnancy-related surgeries or treatments—explore Bowtie’s options for comprehensive protection today!

Reasons for Terminating Pregnancy

Every pregnant woman has her own reasons for deciding to terminate a pregnancy, which might include:

Unplanned pregnancy
Personal physical or mental health not suitable for pregnancy and childbirth
Potential physical or mental disabilities in the baby after birth

However, there are only two specific situations where legal termination of pregnancy is allowed in Hong Kong.

Is Abortion Legal in Hong Kong?

Yes. Under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Ordinance (Cap. 212) in Hong Kong, to apply for a legal termination of pregnancy, certification from two registered doctors is required for the following two situations:

1. Continuing the pregnancy poses greater risk to the woman’s life or damage to her physical/mental health than termination

Examples include: Pregnant women under 16 years old, or victims of incest, rape, or other sexual offenses reported to the police within the last 3 months, where a registered doctor determines that continuing the pregnancy may pose greater risk to her physical or mental health than termination.

2. The child is likely to be born with severe physical or mental disabilities

Additionally, legal termination of pregnancy must:

Be supported by Form 1 and Form 3 signed by two registered doctors (one of whom performs the procedure)
Be carried out in a government-designated hospital or clinic
Be performed by a registered doctor

For more details, pregnant women can seek help or referrals from private doctors, the Family Planning Association , or Maternal and Child Health Centres . Apart from the above situations, any self-induced or assisted illegal abortion is unlawful and can result in imprisonment and fines.

Best Time for Pregnancy Termination

The ideal time for pregnancy termination is between weeks 8 and 12 . Before week 7, the fetus is usually too small for the procedure, but the later the pregnancy, the higher the risks.

In Hong Kong, legal pregnancy termination is allowed only if the pregnancy does not exceed 24 weeks . Of course, exceptions apply for procedures to save the mother’s life.

Pregnancy Termination Methods

Based on medical advice, pregnant women can choose medication or surgery to terminate an early pregnancy.

	Medication	Surgery
Method Overview	The doctor combines two medications to disrupt pregnancy hormones, causing the embryo to detach, while stimulating uterine contractions to expel the embryonic tissue.	Vacuum Aspiration*: The doctor uses a plastic tube inserted through the cervix into the uterus, applying vacuum suction to remove the embryonic tissue.	Dilation and Curettage (D&C): The embryo is removed by scraping the uterus.
Anesthesia Required?	No	Local or monitored anesthesia	General anesthesia
Best Time to Use	Within 6 – 12 weeks of pregnancy After 12 weeks, there are risks, but only medication can be used for termination, as the fetal skull begins to form, making vacuum aspiration impossible.	Within 6 – 12 weeks of pregnancy	Within 6 – 12 weeks of pregnancy

* Procedure used by the Family Planning Association

Pregnancy Termination Procedures

Here’s a breakdown of the procedures for different abortion methods:

Medication

The pregnant woman takes the medication in the hospital and must stay for at least a full day until the embryo is expelled.
After expulsion, a follow-up visit is needed. The doctor will perform repeated ultrasounds to ensure all blood clots and embryonic tissue are cleared.

Vacuum Aspiration

Before surgery, the doctor may administer medication to relax the uterus and dilate the cervix as needed.
An anesthesiologist administers anesthesia to the pregnant woman.
The attending doctor uses a tube to suction out the embryo from the uterus, and performs a vaginal ultrasound to ensure the uterus is thoroughly cleaned without over-aspiration that could thin the lining.
Takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
The pregnant woman can leave on the same day.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
The doctor gradually dilates the cervix.
Removes the tissue from the uterus.

Abortion Procedure Risks and Side Effects

Legal abortions are generally very safe, with complications being quite rare. Of course, there’s still a chance of the following issues popping up:

Adverse reactions to medications
Complications related to anesthesia
Cervical tear
Incomplete abortion
Bleeding
Uterine perforation or rupture
Infection or adhesions in the uterus

Want to know the pros, side effects, or risks of different abortion methods? Dive into the table below right away:

	Medication	Surgery
	Medication	Vacuum Aspiration	Dilation and Curettage
Advantages	The process feels similar to a menstrual period, making it seem more natural Avoids complications or risks related to surgery and anesthesia	Fewer clinic visits and follow-ups Higher rate of complete abortion Shorter bleeding time after the procedure Less trauma to the uterine lining compared to curettage Recommended in the guidelines of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists	/
Risks / Side Effects	Lower rate of complete abortion; if unsuccessful, surgery may be needed After taking the medication, you might experience abdominal pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, or drug allergies; in severe cases, infection or heavy bleeding can occur	Higher risk compared to medication, with possibilities of damage to the cervix or uterine cavity, infection, bleeding, or intrauterine adhesions that could affect future fertility Since anesthesia is required, related side effects may occur, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, or body aches; in severe cases, breathing difficulties, stroke, or coronary heart disease	Compared to vacuum aspiration, it’s more likely to thin the uterine lining, affecting future pregnancy chances

Compare Private Hospital Abortion Surgery Fees in HK

Hospital / Non-Profit Organization	Medication	Surgery (Vacuum Aspiration / Curettage)
The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong	HK$3,800 ^#	Early Termination of Pregnancy Surgery (Local Anesthesia): HK$3,800 ^# Monitored Anesthesia: HK$2,000 ^#
Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital	Not Provided	HK$31,822 – HK$55,545
St. Paul’s Hospital	Not Provided	HK$28,402 – HK$28,897
Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong	Not Provided	HK$30,800 – HK$40,040
Canossa Hospital	Not Provided	HK$40,290
Matilda International Hospital	Not Provided	HK$27,000 – HK$44,200
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road	Not Provided	HK$37,399
St. Teresa’s Hospital (French Hospital)	Not Provided	HK$23,831 – HK$34,930
Hong Kong Baptist Hospital	Not Provided	HK$23,798 – HK$29,701
Evangel Hospital	Not Provided	HK$29,591 – HK$38,206
Precious Blood Hospital	Not Provided	HK$36,920
Union Hospital	Not Provided	HK$27,300
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan	Not Provided	HK$26,397 – HK$29,042
CUHK Medical Centre	Not Provided	HK$28,600 – HK$34,800 (Fixed Price)

* Except for all-inclusive fixed-fee medical packages, other prices come from the latest median charge statistics for relevant surgical fees listed on the official websites of major hospitals, updated as of April 14, 2025
# Prices are data displayed on the institution’s official website in April 2025
* All-inclusive fixed-fee medical packages, the price already includes all procedure-related fees, including doctor’s fees, anesthesiologist’s fees, ward charges (including meal fees*), necessary and related diagnostic fees (including laboratory and diagnostic imaging), treatment fees (including emergency care, blood transfusion, etc.), operating room charges (including extra surgical time), nursing procedure charges, medication fees (prescribed by the attending doctor for inpatient period and discharge, or medications required for the package-related treatment), equipment fees, consumables, material fees, and implant charges. And if the patient develops complications requiring further surgery and intensive care, the related fees are also included

VHIS Won’t Cover Abortion Surgery!

According to the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme Office under the Food and Health Bureau, before launching all VHIS plans , they designed a ” product policy template “, stating that any surgeries or treatments related to pregnancy are not covered by VHIS.

What are the risks of illegal pregnancy termination?

Illegal pregnancy termination lacks guarantees in hygiene standards, instruments, and equipment, making it highly dangerous.

If facing an unplanned pregnancy but unable to have a legal abortion, what can be done?

In case of an unplanned pregnancy, you may consider:

Continuing the pregnancy and raising the child alone or with a partner.
Continuing the pregnancy and arranging for adoption.

Caritas Hong Kong , The Birthright Society , and Mother’s Choice are voluntary organizations that provide assistance to women with unplanned pregnancies, including applications for dormitory stays for unmarried pregnant teens awaiting delivery and arranging post-birth adoption services.

Sources

Author

Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk