HK married couple with financial difficulties dies of suicide after being unable to get abortion

An expecting married couple in Hong Kong allegedly committed suicide on Oct. 19 after their attempts at getting an abortion were rejected by doctors.

They had reportedly sought an abortion as they were facing financial difficulties at the time.

Abortion attempts

According to Hong Kong media The Standard, the 34-year-old woman, surnamed Chan, was seven months pregnant when she attempted to get an abortion.

She and her 35-year-old husband, surnamed Wong, had been married since March this year.

Both were unemployed.

Due to financial difficulties, the couple first attempted to get an abortion in Hong Kong, but were rejected by doctors.

They then travelled to Taiwan on Oct. 10 on another attempt, but were again denied the procedure and returned to Hong Kong a week later on Oct. 17.

According to Taiwan and Hong Kong laws, doctors are banned from performing abortions on mothers more than 24 weeks pregnant, while Chan was already around seven months (around 28 weeks) pregnant.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, Chan and Wong reportedly handed their mobile phones and online banking passwords to their families.

Deaths

On Oct. 19 at about 4am, the couple reportedly jumped to their deaths from Hing Tai House of Tuen Mun, Hong Kong.

Police were alerted to the scene after loud noises from the jumps prompted residents to call the police.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Financial difficulties

A bank statement, belonging to Chan, was later found by police at Wong's residence, showing debts of nearly HK$200,000 (S$33,329).

Wong had divorced his ex-wife, with whom he had three children, six years ago.

He was required by court order to pay over HK$10,000 (S$1,666) monthly in child support.

He had also reportedly developed mental health issues in 2023 due to work stresses and financial issues, requiring him to receive regular hospital treatment.

However, he stopped receiving treatment in 2024.

Helplines

If you or someone you know are in mental distress, here are some hotlines you can call to seek help, advice, or just a listening ear:

National mindline.sg Hotline: 1771 (24 hours)

National mindline.sg WhatsApp: 66691771 (24 hours)

SOS 24-hour Hotline: 1-767

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

Centre for Domestic Employees: 1800 225 5233 (24 hours)

Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training: 1800 339 4357 (24 hours)

HOME: 1800 797 7977 or +65 9787 3122 (WhatsApp / Viber / SMS)

Top images via Canva and HK01