Rise in early-stage abortions

A record number of abortions took place in England and Wales in 2006, largely thanks to a rise in the use of 'abortion pills'.

Rates of under-16 and under-18 abortions were both higher than in 2005, and the number of abortions across all age groups was up by nearly four per cent on the previous year, official figures show.

An abortion pill was used in 30 per cent of cases, compared to 24 per cent in 2005, and health minister Caroline Flint welcomed the fact that more abortions are taking place at an early stage in pregnancy.

"We welcome the fact that a higher percentage of abortions are taking place at an early stage, almost two thirds under ten weeks gestation and most under 13 weeks," she commented.

The minister stressed the importance of early access to abortion services, as this lowers the risk of complications.

A total of 193,737 terminations were performed in 2006, with 19-year-olds proving the most likely to have an abortion.

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