Pregnant woman and husband in Hong Kong die in apparent suicide after abortion bid denied
A 34-year-old pregnant woman and her 35-year-old husband were found dead after falling from a public housing block in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, early on 19 October 2025. Reports suggest the couple had been denied abortion requests and were facing severe financial hardship.
- A pregnant woman and her husband were found dead after reportedly jumping from a residential block in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, on 19 October 2025.
- The couple had been struggling financially and were reportedly denied abortion requests in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Police found evidence of heavy debts and possible mental health struggles prior to their deaths.
HONG KONG: Police are investigating the deaths of a married couple who reportedly jumped from Hing Tai House of Tai Hing Estate in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, at around 4am on 19 October 2025.
Residents called authorities after hearing a loud crash. The 35-year-old man, surnamed Wong, was found on the canopy of a walkway, while his 34-year-old wife, surnamed Chan, was discovered on the ground after breaking through the canopy. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Background and circumstances
According to HK01, Chan was around seven months pregnant at the time of her death.
The couple, who had married in March 2025, were both unemployed and reportedly under financial strain.
The couple had initially sought an abortion in Hong Kong but were denied by medical professionals due to legal restrictions on late-term procedures.
Under Hong Kong law, abortions are generally not permitted after 24 weeks of pregnancy unless there are medical risks to the mother.
In a subsequent attempt, the couple travelled to Taiwan on 10 October 2025 to seek the procedure there.
However, they were again refused by doctors under similar legal provisions before returning to Hong Kong on 17 October.
Evidence of distress and financial difficulties
After their return, the pair reportedly handed their mobile phones and online banking passwords to their families.
Police investigations later uncovered a bank statement belonging to Chan, showing debts totalling nearly HK$200,000 (approximately S$33,329).
Wong had also been paying monthly child support of over HK$10,000 (about S$1,666) to his ex-wife for three children from a previous marriage.
Wong was said to have developed mental health issues in 2023, attributed to work-related stress and financial difficulties. He had been receiving hospital treatment but stopped attending sessions in 2024.
Authorities have classified the case as a suspected suicide pending further investigation.
Social welfare groups have expressed concern over mental health pressures and financial instability among Hong Kong’s unemployed population, particularly during pregnancy and family planning crises.
