Doctors point to cost of living as abortions reach record high

The rising cost of living and poor contraception access have pushed the abortion rate in England and Wales to a record high since 1967, providers and doctors say.

Government statistics released on Thursday showed terminations increased by 11 per cent in 2023 compared with the previous year.

The age-standardised rate for women was 23.0 per 1,000 residents.

Katie Saxon is chief strategic communications officer at BPAS, one of the country’s largest providers.

Saxon said: “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.

“No woman should have to end a pregnancy she would otherwise have continued purely for financial reasons.

“Equally, no woman should become pregnant because she is unable to access the contraception she wants, when she needs it.

“There is no right number of abortions, but there is much more that the government can do to ensure women are able to make the choice that is right for themselves and for their families.

“Women continue to tell us about long waits for contraceptive appointments, difficulties securing repeat prescriptions, and limited choice in the methods available to them.

“Emergency contraception also remains an important but underutilised backup option.”

The data showed at-home terminations, using medication sent by post, made up 72 per cent of all procedures in 2023.

Over the past decade, the percentage performed at up to nine weeks increased from 79 per cent to 89 per cent.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: “This new data highlights how access to high-quality abortion care is essential for women’s health and reproductive autonomy.

“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.

“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.”

Wright added: “Taking both medications at home remains the most common method of abortion, indicating that the telemedicine pathway is working as intended by enabling women to access safe, regulated care earlier.

“Telemedicine removes practical barriers for women who may otherwise struggle to attend in-person appointments, including those in rural areas, women with disabilities, and those experiencing coercion or abuse.”