Latest annual update to statistics on termination of pregnancy performed in Scotland under the Abortion Act 1967

The statistics are published today (24th May 2006, 09:30h) by Information Services Division (ISD) NHS National Services Scotland at:

http://www.isdscotland.org/abortions

Key messages

• Scotland:In 2005 there were 12,603 therapeutic abortions performed compared to 12,461 in 2004.  This is consistent with the pattern seen in recent years. In 2005, the rate for every 1,000 women aged 15-44 was 11.9, compared to 10.9 in 1996.
• NHS Board comparison: The rate of terminations for every 1,000 women aged 15-44 is highest in Tayside and Lothian NHS Boards, 16.4 and 14.1 respectively, whilst the Islands (Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles) and Argyll & Clyde have the lowest rates, 4.9 and 8.3 respectively.
• Method of termination: The use of medical methods continues to increase, with 58.8% of all terminations performed medically in 2005 compared to 16.4% in 1992.
• Timing of terminations: The proportion of early terminations has been relatively stable in the last five years, with 66.5% of all terminations performed at less than 10 weeks in 2005. This compares to 55.8% of terminations performed at less than 10 weeks in 1992.
    

Footnotes for editors

1. Information on abortion notifications is published annually by ISD Scotland. The website presents statistical information on notifications, to the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, of terminations of pregnancy performed under the Abortion Act 1967. In addition to abortions performed in Scotland, a small proportion of abortions on Scottish residents are performed in England and Wales every year. Abortions performed in Scotland include those performed on a small number of non-Scottish residents.
2. A medical abortion involves termination of a pregnancy without a surgical procedure.  It usually involves oral administration of a drug followed 1-3 days later by vaginal administration of another drug.
3. This is an ISD Scotland National Statistics release. National Statistics are produced to high professional standards and adhere to codes of practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.
4. ISD collects, collates and maintains a wide range of health service data sets, which form the national corporate database for NHSScotland. By providing information, statistical services and effective use of information management and technology, ISD contributes to health improvement by informing decision making, research and debate within the NHSScotland, government departments and other organisations. Information Services is part of the NHS National Services Scotland. For more information about ISD go to http://www.isdscotland.org

For further information contact:

Etta Shanks, Maternity & Neonatal Team Lead, Health Care Information Group, ISD
mailto: Etta.Shanks@isd.csa.scot.nhs.uk
phone: 0131 275 6761

Anne Stott, Statistician, Health