Scotland abortions rise to highest number ever recorded

There were 18,783 abortions in Scotland in 2025, the highest number ever recorded, according to new official statistics.

This is up from 18,710 recorded abortions in 2024. When compared with ten years ago, there has been a 54.78% increase over the last decade.

The number of repeat abortions went up from 7,672 in 2024, to 7,927 in 2025.

In total, 277 abortions were disability-selective and this is up from 172 in 2018.

A review of the abortion law in Scotland was recently carried out. having been commissioned by Humza Yousaf when he was First Minister.

Among its extreme proposals was scrapping the 24-week time limit and allowing abortions on social grounds, including sex-selective abortions right up to birth.

In 2024, abortion buffer zones were also introduced across Scotland. It created a minimum 200m 'safe access' or buffer, zones around any abortion facility.

The Scottish government can also extend the buffer zone beyond 200m if they judge that the existing zone 'does not adequately protect' women seeking an abortion.

CARE for Scotland responded to the review of abortion law, arguing that a truly compassionate society protects both women and babies from the point of conception.

The charity has also warned that buffer zones infringe on an individual's right to free speech.