Press Release: Abortion Rates Rise in Scotland in 2022, Highlighting Social and Financial Factors

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Wednesday 31 May 2023 – Public Health Scotland reports a notable increase in abortions conducted in Scotland during 2022. With 16,584 procedures performed, the rate stands at 16.1 per 1,000 women. This represents an almost 20% surge compared to the previous year, signalling a growing demand for abortion care.

Dr. Audrey Brown, Abortion Rights Scotland Rep, commented on the report, saying,

“Overall, the report confirms that despite a significant increase in the need for abortion care, NHS Scotland is continuing to meet demand, with over 80% of abortions carried out before 9 weeks gestation. However, there are variations across different board areas, so it is important to support NHS services and ensure equitable access nationally.”

The data suggests that social and financial factors, including the ongoing economic and cost of living crisis, may contribute to the rise in abortion rates. While rates have been gradually increasing in recent years, the impact of these factors is becoming more apparent.

One significant finding from the data is the widening gap in abortion rates based on social deprivation levels, as measured by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The most deprived areas experience twice the rate compared to the least deprived areas, with rates of 21.7 per 1,000 women and 11.1 per 1,000 women, respectively. This pattern holds true across all board areas.

The increase in abortion rates affects all age groups, particularly individuals aged 16 to 29 years. Although teenage abortion rates have consistently declined over the past decade, there was a notable rise in the 16-19-year-old group in 2022.

Despite the overall rise in abortion numbers, more than 80% of all abortions occur before 9 weeks gestation, indicating maintained access to timely services. However, there is some variation across NHS board areas, with certain boards treating less than 70% of cases under 9 weeks gestation.

Medical abortion has gained popularity, leading to a decline in surgical procedures. This shift became more prominent during the Covid pandemic, with nearly 99% of abortions in 2022 performed medically, compared to approximately 85% before the pandemic. While personal choice likely plays a significant role in this change, it is crucial to ensure that the option for surgical abortion remains available when appropriate.

The introduction of home-based medical abortion has significantly influenced women’s decision-making. However, there are variations between boards, with some primarily providing both drugs for home use, while others predominantly administer the second drug at home.

It is noteworthy that almost all abortions in Scotland are conducted by NHS Scotland. While data on women travelling to England/Wales for abortions in 2022 is not yet available, recent years indicate that this number is likely to be minimal (under 0.1%).

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Notes to the editor:

Abortion Rights Scotland: is dedicated to defending and advancing reproductive rights in Scotland. Their mission is to ensure safe, legal, and timely access to abortions while advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare services. For further comments or information, please contact Dr. Audrey Brown (Scotland@abortionrights.org.uk) Abortion Rights.
Abortion Rights: Leading the Charge for Reproductive RightsAbortion Rights stands as the sole national organisation wholly committed to championing and advancing reproductive rights. Our pivotal role lies in promoting and facilitating access to safe, legal, and timely abortions. With an unyielding dedication, Abortion Rights ensure that individuals have the essential resources and support needed to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
To learn more about the impactful work of Abortion Rights, please visit our website at [www.abortionrights.org.uk]. Join the movement for reproductive rights and be part of the transformative change they are working towards.
For media inquiries, please contact: choice@abortionrights.org.uk