WORK commitments, needing to take holidays and wishing to stay slim - these are among the reasons why Singaporean women opt to have abortions, Sin Chew Daily reported.

The Singapore Health Ministry recorded 11,933 abortions last year.

A clinic doctor, identified only as Dr Ho, was quoted as saying that at least three women approached her weekly to obtain a recommendation letter for a subsidised abortion fee.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital medical volunteers and social workers chief Hong Li Ming said the hospital provided counselling to these women and 35% were single women between the ages of 16 and 21.

Gleneagles Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology specialist Dr Chong Yew Luen said he only provided counselling to those intending to have an abortion.

His youngest patient was 12 years old.