Figures just released by Public Health show there was a total of 180 abortions last year. That’s 10 fewer than in 2015, and almost 20% down on a decade ago.
Jersey’s abortion rate is around half of that in England and Wales
Just over half of the women seeking abortions in Jersey were in their 20s. But the report notes, “…there’s been a significant decrease in the abortion rates for women in the 15-19 years’ age-group.”
About half – 49% – of abortions in 2016 were carried out for single women.
Around one in four – 24% – of women undergoing abortions had had one or more previous terminations, a proportion similar to that in 2015, and a significant decrease on that in 2014 – 38% – which represented the greatest proportion recorded to date.
Most abortions – 98% – were undertaken due to distress of the women; the remaining 2% were conducted to save life or because of foetal abnormalities.