Teenage abortions hit all-time high

More teenagers are having abortions than ever before, fuelling a significant rise in the number of terminations in England and Wales.

The abortion rate is continuing to rise with the biggest increase among under-18s.
The total number of abortions was 193,700 in 2006

Despite huge Government spending on contraception education, 19-year-olds are now the most likely of any age group to have an abortion, with 35 in every 1,000 undergoing the procedure, according to official Department of Health figures.

Previously the highest rate was among women aged 20-24 years.

The number of s aged under 16 and under 18 having abortions also increased last year, increasing concern that the procedure is now being seen as a form of contraception. Read more