Abortions are at a record high - experts explain sobering reason why

Warning: This article contains discussion of abortion which some readers may find distressing

Abortions have hit a record high across England and Wales, according to new data.

The latest figures and stats published by the UK Department of Health show there were 277,970 abortions in 2023, which is up 11 percent on the 251,377 abortions in 2022.

Charities and health leaders have weighed in on the data and explained why this could be the case, suggesting it reflects economic pressures and the rising cost of living, as well as poor access to sexual health services.

A breakdown of the data showed a rise in women aged 18 and under having abortions as well as those aged 35 and over.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, explained: "This new data highlights how access to high-quality abortion care is essential for women’s health and reproductive autonomy.

New abortion data for England and Wales has been revealed (Getty Stock Image)

"There is likely to be a range of factors behind the rise in abortion rates over recent years."

The economy and cost of living crisis playing a role in the rise of abortions

She added that economic pressures and the rising cost of living are 'shaping women’s reproductive choices' with many 'choosing to delay or have smaller families'.

“At the same time, overstretched GP and sexual health services are making it harder for many women - particularly in more deprived communities - to access contraception when they need it, increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancy," the expert continued.

She outlined that the data highlights that the telemedicine pathway is 'working as intended by enabling women to access safe, regulated care earlier'.

This is because the stats show that taking both medications at home remains the most common method of abortion - taking pills at home was the most common method of abortion, making up 72 percent of abortions in 2023.

With this method, women are prescribed two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol, which are taken a few days apart at home.

Experts have explained potential reasons for the rise (Getty Stock Image)

"Telemedicine removes practical barriers for women who may otherwise struggle to attend in-person appointments, including those in rural areas, women with disabilities, and those experiencing coercion or abuse," Wright concluded.

Although, it's important to note that the number of surgical abortions also increased in both 2022 and 2023, having previously decreased for the last 20 years.

The data also revealed most abortions are carried out in early pregnancy, with 248,250 (89 percent) in 2023 performed between two and nine weeks of gestation.

Meanwhile, the percentage of those having an abortion who reported already having had at least one previously rose steadily from 37 percent in 2013 to 42 percent in 2023.

And overall, 54 pertcent of women having abortions in 2023 were already mothers or have had a previous stillbirth.

'No woman should have to end a pregnancy she would otherwise have continued purely for financial reasons'

Katie Saxon, chief strategic communications officer at BPAS, which provides most NHS-funded abortions, said: "These figures reflect the first full year of abortion care during the cost‑of‑living crisis, which is essential context for understanding the rise in abortion rates.

Taking pills at home is the most common method of abortion (Getty Stock Image)

“No woman should have to end a pregnancy she would otherwise have continued purely for financial reasons.

“Equally, no woman should become pregnant because she is unable to access the contraception she wants, when she needs it."

The expert added: “There is no right number of abortions, but there is much more that the Government can do to ensure women are able to make the choices that are right for themselves and for their families.

“Women continue to tell us about long waits for contraceptive appointments, difficulties securing repeat prescriptions, and limited choice in the methods available to them.

“Emergency contraception also remains an important but under-utilised back-up option.”.

For help, support and advice about abortion, contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service on 03457 30 40 30, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, and 9.30am to 2.30pm on Sundays.