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Abortion rates fall again in Scotland

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Summary of story from BBC, May 31, 2011

The number of medical abortions performed in Scotland has fallen for the second year running, according to official figures.

The continuing reduction marked a departure from the upward trend in terminations since abortion was legalised in 1967.

In 2010, the number of abortions carried out in Scotland was 12,826. The figure for 2009 was 13,108, and the 2008 total was 13,902.

Since the 1967 Abortion Act was implemented, the trend has been one of steady increase, although NHS Scotland’s Information Services Division pointed out that there had been small dips for short periods before.

The rate of terminations continued to be highest in younger women, peaking in the age group 20-24. At this age, the rate was 22.4 per 1,000.

The 2010 figures showed that a greater proportion of the abortions were carried out in early pregnancy. A total of 65.2% were performed at less than nine weeks, compared with 62.2% in 2009.

In areas of high deprivation, the overall rate was 16.0 per 1,000 women. In the least deprived areas, the rate was 9.2 per 1,000.

Of the women who had a termination in 2010, more than a quarter had undergone the procedure at least once before.

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