Almost 3 in 10 pregnancies ending in abortion, tragic figures show

The percentage of conceptions leading to abortions in England and Wales has reached a record high of close to 3 in 10, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Almost three in ten pregnancies in 2022 ended in legal abortions in the two nations, increasing from around two in ten a decade earlier.

In total, 247,703 unborn babies were aborted, a thirteen percent rise on the 218,923 abortions recorded in 2021.

Responding to the figures, CARE’s Director of Advocacy and Policy Caroline Ansell said:

“The scale of abortion in England and Wales is heartbreaking for those who recognise that every life, no matter how tiny, is precious.

“Behind these statistics are women whose stories of trauma and regret are rarely heard in public debate. Understanding that poverty can be a driving factor is especially painful.

“A just and compassionate society provides support so that women can carry their babies to term, then care for their children as they grow and develop.”

The ONS provided a breakdown by local authority area which shows that in some areas, the rate was more than 4 abortions in every 10 pregnancies.

‘Pills by post’

The rise in abortions in 2022 came in the year after the government’s controversial ‘pills by post’ scheme was introduced, removing a requirement for in-person consultation.

Taking abortion pills at home, known as telemedicine, was the most common procedure in 2022 accounting for 61% of all abortions – a rise of nine percentage points since 2021.

The Government’s ‘pills by post’ scheme has been linked to an increase in hospitalisations and disturbing cases of women self-administering abortions late in pregnancy.

‘Both lives matter’

Ms Ansell added: “The Government’s dangerous pills by post scheme clearly contributed to the figures just announced by the ONS. Abortions are more accessible and dangerous than ever before. The push for decriminalisaiton underway at present will make matters worse.

“At the same time, bereavement leave for a pregnancy lost before 24 weeks has been officially sanctioned by the Government. How can the state be removing all impediments to abortion on one hand whilst recognising that baby loss is traumatic event on the other?

“We need to return to a right understanding on this issue. Both lives matter in every pregnancy, and both mums and babies need to be protected and cherished.”

ENDS

ONS date: Conceptions in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives. Contact us: press@care.org.uk