Data on Illegitimate Births and Subsequent Adoptions since 2020 and Destigmatisation Measures
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns statistics on non-marital births and government measures to support such children, as raised by Mr Fadli Fawzi. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported an average of 745 non-marital births annually since 2020, with 12 children subsequently adopted by biological parents. The Minister noted that social investigations for adoptions typically take nine months and highlighted efforts to reduce stigma through the school curriculum and supportive environments. Furthermore, the Government does not differentiate developmental benefits, such as healthcare and childcare subsidies, based on parents' marital status. Single unwed parents need not adopt their own children to qualify for these benefits, which focus on supporting the growth and development of all Singapore Citizen children.
Transcript
32 Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how many births in Singapore since 2020 have been classified as illegitimate; (b) how many of these children have been subsequently adopted by their biological parents; (c) what is the average duration of the adoption process in these cases; and (d) what actions, if any, does the Government intend to take to reduce the stigma surrounding illegitimate children.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: A non-marital birth refers to a child born to parents who are not legally married to each other at the time of the child's birth. Under the Legitimacy Act 1934, a child of a non-marital birth is not considered legitimate, unless the parents subsequently marry each other or the child is adopted. From 2020 to 2024, there were, on average, about 745 non-marital live births per year to Singapore citizen mothers in Singapore.
Of the non-marital live births from 2020 to 2024, 12 children were subsequently adopted by their biological parents within the same period. As part of the adoption proceedings, the Ministry of Social and Family Development's (MSF's) Guardian-in-Adoption conducts social investigations to assess the safety and well-being of the child within the prospective adoptive family. The duration of the social investigation is typically about nine months, provided there are no complicating factors.
Every child, regardless of their parents' marital status, deserves to be valued, supported and given equal opportunities to thrive. The Government recognises that children of single unwed parents may face stigma and is committed to fostering an inclusive and caring society. In schools, through the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) Curriculum, students learn empathy and respect for all, regardless of their family backgrounds. Our teachers nurture a caring and enabling school environment and are sensitive to the socio-emotional needs of all children, including those who require additional support because of their family circumstances. The Government also does not differentiate benefits that support Singapore Citizen children's growth and development based on their parents' marital status. These benefits include subsidies for education, healthcare, childcare and infant care, as well as the migrant domestic worker levy concession. Single unwed parents do not need to adopt their own children to qualify for these Government benefits.