The number of abortions carried out in England and Wales decreased by 2.5 per cent in 2012 (a total of 185, 122) according to new figures published by the Department of Health.
The number of abortions for women aged 15-44 was the lowest since 1997, with a drop of 5.4 per cent.
Between 2011 and 2012, the number of abortions carried out on under 18s also decreased from 15 to 12.8 per cent per 1000 women.
Repeat abortions
But the number of repeat abortions has increased by 6 per cent since 2002, fuelling concerns that the procedure is being used as a form of contraception.
In 2012, 37 per cent of women who had an abortion had undergone the procedure at least once before, compared to 31 per cent in 2002. 4,500 women had at least four previous abortions, whilst 33 women had nine or more terminations.
Disability
Abortions on grounds of disability rose sharply according to the figures, with 2,308 babies aborted for such reasons – an increase of 17 per cent on the previous year.
Pro-life campaigners have said that they are “deeply concerned” by the trend.
Late abortions have also been on the rise. 2,860 took place after 20 weeks last year, and increase of 5 per cent.
Shift
Andrea Minichiello Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, said:
“These figures show both positive and worrying trends. It’s good to see an overall drop in the number of abortions. There seems to be a shift towards a more pro-life mindset among the public but the number of abortions is still way too high.
“When people are educated about the humanity of the unborn child and the violence that abortion does to the unborn, hearts and minds are changed. These figures, particularly relating to repeat abortions and abortions on grounds of disability, are very concerning and show the continued need for the truth about abortion to be exposed.”
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