Scottish Abortion Statistics 2022

Scottish Abortion Statistics 2022 – what do the statistics tell us?

Public Health Scotland has published the Abortion Statistics for all abortions carried out in Scotland in the year 2022. 

Audrey Brown, recently retired NHS Scotland abortion care consultant, gives her initial thoughts here.  

16584 abortions were carried in 2022, representing a rate of 16.1 per 1000 women. Although abortion rates have been slowly increasing over the past number of years, there was an increase of almost a fifth in 2022 compared to 2021. Whilst many factors influence the decision to have an abortion, the ongoing economic and cost of living crisis is likely to be having a significant impact. 

There are other findings in the data that also suggest a strong impact of social/financial factors, in particular the effect of social deprivation. Year on year, there is a widening gap in abortion rates across the SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) groups. The abortion rate in the most deprived area is now double that of the least deprived areas, 21.7 per 1000 women, compared to 11.1 per 1000 women. This pattern is seen across all board areas.

The increase in abortion rates is also seen across all age groups, and is particularly marked in those aged 16 – 29 years. Whilst teenage abortion rates have consistently fallen over the past 10 years, in 2022, there was a large rise in the 16 – 19 year old group.

Despite a significant increase in overall abortion numbers of almost 20%, over 80% of all abortions are carried out before 9 weeks gestation, suggesting that timely access to services is maintained. There is however, variation across NHS board areas, with some boards treating less that 70% under 9 weeks gestation. 

Over the past number of years, there has been increasing use of medical abortion, with reduction in surgical abortion. This change was particularly marked with the onset of the Covid pandemic. In 2022, almost 99% of abortions were carried out medically, compared to around 85% pre-pandemic. Whilst much of this change is likely down to personal choice, it is important that the choice of surgical abortion is still available when appropriate. 

The introduction of home based medical abortion has undoubtedly impacted on the choices women make. However, again there are marked differences between boards, with some boards largely giving both drugs to be taken at home, whilst others predominantly only the second drug at home.

It is reassuring to see that virtually every abortion in Scotland is delivered by NHS Scotland. The numbers of women travelling to England/Wales for abortion in 2022 is not yet available, but recent years have suggested that this is likely to be very small (under 0.1%).

Overall, the report confirms that despite a significant increase in need for abortion care, NHS Scotland is continuing to meet demand, with over 80% of abortions carried out under 9 weeks gestation. There are variations seen across different board areas, so it is important that NHS services are supported to ensure equitable services nationally. 

In the coming weeks, Abortion Rights Scotland will be discussing the statistics, and the implications for public resources, campaigning, and policy development. For more information get in touch scotland@abortionrights.org.uk