Abortions in Scotland at their highest since 2008

 (Photo: Unsplash)

Abortion numbers rose to their second-highest ever on record last year, according to the latest statistics released by Public Health Scotland.

Official figures show that there were 13,583 terminations in 2019, up 297 from 2018. 

It is the highest abortion total for Scotland since 2008. 

The data shows a considerable jump in abortions at home, from 29.9% of terminations in 2018 to 49.3% last year. 

Repeat abortions are up from 3.5 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 in 2010, to 4.4 per 1,000 last year.  In 2019, over a third of terminations (34%) were repeat abortions. 

There were 581 terminations among women over 40, the highest number in this age group since abortion became legal in 1967. 

Right to Life UK said the number of abortions at home is likely to increase after the Government eased regulations during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for the organisation, said: "Sadly, the number of abortions taking place in Scotland has reached the second highest number on record. Every one of these 13,583 abortions is a tragic loss of life."

She added: "We are calling on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward sensible new restrictions and increased support for women with unplanned pregnancies.

"This would ensure we were working together as a society to reduce the tragic number of abortions that happen each year." 

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.