New abortion statistics published for England and Wales

The 2008 statistics, published by the Department of Health, show a small fall in the abortion rate and the total number of abortions compared with 2007. 

Key Facts

In 2008, for women residents in England and Wales:

- The total number of abortions was 195,296, compared with 198,499 in 2007, a fall of 1.6%

- The age-standardised abortion rate was 18.2 per 1,000 resident women aged 15-44, compared with 18.6 in 2007

- The abortion rate was highest at 36 per 1,000, for women age 19, the same as in 2007

- The under-16 abortion rate was 4.2 and the under-18 rate was 18.9 per 1,000 women, both lower than in 2007

- 91% of abortions were funded by the NHS; of these, just over half (58%) took place in the independent sector under NHS contract

- 90% of abortions were carried out at under 13 weeks’ gestation; 73% were at under 10 weeks

- Medical abortions accounted for 38% of the total

- 1,988 abortions (1%) were under ground E, risk that the child would be born handicapped

Non-residents:

- In 2008, there were 6,862 abortions for non-residents carried out in hospitals and clinics in England and Wales (7,099 in 2007)

Commenting on these statistics, Dr Patricia Lohr, Medical Director of BPAS, said:

‘We are pleased to see that these statistics show more abortions are happening at an earlier stage- there has been a 3% rise in the number of under of 10 weeks’ abortions which are now at 73%. 90% of all abortions were carried out under 13 weeks. We also note that the numbers of later abortions remain comparatively tiny at 1% after 20 weeks, reflecting the complex circumstances in which these are requested.

‘Abortion figures have tended to fluctuate slightly year-on-year but the overall background trend remains for a gradual rise in the numbers of abortions. On the back of the unusually large 3.9% rise in 2007, 2008’s fall of 1.6% seems to reflect a stabilisation in abortion numbers along this gently growing upwards trend.

‘This gradual rise fits in with current picture of the population in the UK. We have a slowly increasing number of women of reproductive age in the population. We can see that conceptions remain at a raised level, meaning that numbers of births, miscarriages and abortions have slowly increased proportionately.

‘Women remain concerned to make sure the time is right for them to take on the important role of becoming a parent. Abortion figures reflect women’s recognition of the significance of this. We also know that contraceptive methods in typical use have relatively high failure rates. Furthermore we know that sex is not always planned or prepared for. It’s important that services reflect the reality of women’s lives and make sure contraception and abortion services are as flexible and accessible as possible.’

Key Facts: Abortion Statistics, England and Wales, 2008. Department of Health, 21 May 2009

Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2008. (Complete bulletin). Department of Health, 21 May 2009

Also read:

Scotland: Disappointment over abortion rise. BBC News Online, 26 May 2009

Abortion rates: it’s not the economy, stupid. By Jennie Bristow. spiked, 21 May 2009