Steep rise in first half of 2022 was driven by financial uncertainty caused by Covid pandemic, figures suggest
The number of abortions in England and Wales has risen sharply, with a charity saying that growing financial pressure on families could mean it continues to rise.
The number increased by 17%, from 105,488 between January and June 2021 to 123,219 over the same period in 2022, according to a report by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The majority of abortions took place in the early stages of pregnancy: 67% up to seven weeks gestation; 93% up to 12 weeks, and 98% up to 17 weeks gestation.
Medically induced procedures accounted for 86% of abortions, with 97% of these occurring before 10 weeks.
