UK marks 59th anniversary of Abortion Act with record figures

The 59th anniversary of the Abortion Act receiving Royal Assent has seen Right To Life UK estimate that over 11.2 million unborn lives have been lost since 1967.

Official statistics from the Department of Health and Social Care show that England and Wales recorded 278,740 abortions in 2023, marking a 10.56% increase from 2022 and the highest number ever recorded in a single year. This rise is attributed in part to the continued use of at-home abortion services, a practice that expanded during the pandemic.

Concerns have also been raised regarding a recent amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment, introduced by Tonia Antoniazzi, removes legal sanctions for women who perform their own abortions at any point up to and during birth. While medical professionals remain restricted to the 24-week limit except in exceptional circumstances, critics argue the new law may lead to an increase in dangerous late-term at-home procedures.