Record abortion numbers in England and Wales are being linked to cost of living pressures.
Official figures show 277,970 abortions took place in 2023. That marked an 11 percent rise from 251,377 in 2022. It was the highest total since the 1967 Abortion Act. Rates reached 23 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44.
Also, 54 percent of women ending pregnancies were already mothers or had a stillbirth. The Department of Health released the data. Early abortions were most common. In 2023, 89 percent happened between two and nine weeks. Medical abortions using pills accounted for 87 percent.
Meanwhile, experts pointed to wider pressures. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Dr Alison Wright said multiple factors were involved.
“There is likely to be a range of factors behind the rise in abortion rates over recent years.”
“Economic pressure and the rising cost of living are shaping women’s reproductive choices, with many choosing to delay or have smaller families.”
However, access to care also played a role.
“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.”
Finally, providers echoed those concerns. Katie Saxon of BPAS said the figures reflected the first full year of the cost of living crisis.
“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.”
