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You are here: Home Resources UK abortion statistics

UK ABORTION STATISTICS

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11 week abortion

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In 2008, according to Department of Health statistics the total number of abortions on residents of England and Wales was 195,296.  This number excludes the 6,862 abortions performed on non-residents in the UK. (a total of 202,158)

Introduction

When an abortion is performed in the UK, the reason for it being procured is recorded by a health worker and the information kept by the Department of Health.

There are 7 categories (listed A - G) to cover just about any scenario. The Department of Health statistics can be found by following the link on the home page.  The Categories are listed at the end of this article.The statistics are taken from the Department of Healths publication for 2008, the most recent complete year available.

UK Key Statistics

  • The total number of abortions in England and Wales including those performed on non-residents amounted to 202,158 in 2008 alone.  The following statistics are taken from only those resident in England and Wales.  This total number being 195,296.
  • The number of abortions to actually save the life of the mother are between 0 and 9. (Category F alone)  The Department of Health would not disclose actual number.
  • In 2008, the vast majority (98% or 190,546) of abortions were undertaken under Category C which is effectively for social reasons.  For example if a pregnant woman does not wish to change her lifestyle by remaining pregnant.
  • 51 abortions were performed because of risk to the life of the mother. (Categories A,F and G combined together to make a large enough number)
  • 2196 abortions were undertaken on grounds that continuation of pregnancy would involve risk of injury to the mental or physical health of existing children in the pregnant woman's family.  (Category D alone or combined with C)
  • 1,988 abortions were performed for risk that the child would be born handicapped (Category E).  This could include Downs Syndrome, cleft palate, spina bifida or club foot.
  • 33% of women undergoing abortions had one or more previous abortions. The proportion has risen from about 29% since 1998.
  • 91% of abortions in 2008 were funded by the NHS.
  • The Department of Health reports that there were only 299 complications due to the abortion procedure.  This number is misleading as it only takes in to account the complications up to time of discharge.  Therefore any complications that become apparent after discharge are not be included.



Category A: the continuance of the pregnancy
would involve risk to the life of
the pregnant woman greater than
if the pregnancy were terminated
(Abortion Act, 1967 as amended,
section 1(1)(c))
Category B: the termination is necessary to
prevent grave permanent injury to
the physical or mental health of
the pregnant woman (section
1(1)(b))
Category C: the pregnancy has not exceeded its
twenty-fourth week and that the
continuance of the pregnancy
would involve risk, greater than if
the pregnancy were terminated, of
injury to the physical or mental
health of the pregnant woman
(section 1(1)(a))
Category D: the pregnancy has not exceeded its
twenty-fourth week and that the
continuance of the pregnancy
would involve risk, greater than if
the pregnancy were terminated, of
injury to the physical or mental
health of any existing children of
the family of the pregnant woman
(section 1(1)(a))
Category E: there is a substantial risk that if
the child were born it would suffer
from such physical or mental
abnormalities as to be seriously
handicapped (section 1(1)(d))
or in an emergency, certified by the
operating practitioner as immediately
necessary:
Category F: to save the life of the pregnant
woman (section 1(4))
Category G: to prevent grave permanent injury
to the physical or mental health of
the pregnant woman (section 1(4))

 

 

Department of Health