Number of abortions hits record high in England and Wales

Official statistics show abortion figures in England and Wales rose 11 % in 2023, reaching a record 277,970 cases – up from 251,377 in 2022. Most (89 %) were carried out early between two and nine weeks, and 87 % of women chose a pill‑based method. Early‑pregnancy numbers climbed to 248,250. The Department of Health noted that the rise spans surgical and medical abortions and includes higher rates among women 18 or under and those over 35; the crude rate for the latter group rose from 7.1 per 1,000 in 2013 to 12.3 per 1,000 in 2023. Forty‑two per cent of abortions were repeat procedures, and 54 % of women had a previous birth or stillbirth. President Dr Alison Wright said economic pressure and stretched GP services are driving the increase. BPAS’s Katie Saxon highlighted long waits for contraception and limited service choice amid the cost‑of‑living crisis.