FSRH Statement on Abortion Statistics for England and Wales: January-July 2022

Statistics published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) today show that abortion rates have increased by 17% from January-June 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. The number of abortions for the first six months of 2022 was 123,219, compared to 105,488 in 2021.

As the data published is only for the first six months of 2022, making it difficult to compare to the annual data of years prior, we look forward to providing a fuller analysis when the remaining information is released.  
 
However, the rise in abortions is of concern as it indicates a huge and rising unmet need for access to contraception, as well as other challenges people face relating to the cost of living crisis. Although an essential aspect of healthcare, abortions are significantly more costly to the health service than the provision of contraception, and so it is alarming that the Government seems unwilling to enhance access to contraception, notably through the absence of any new promised SRH Strategy or Action Plan.  

Dr Janet Barter, President of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), said:  

“We welcome the January to June 2022 abortion figures released today by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). 

“The figures released today show a 17% increase in the number of abortions compared to the same period last year. We must look closely at the reasons for this. It is critical that contraception is available to all women across England and Wales who need it.

“Access to contraception and information must be understood as vital features of abortion care for all age groups. We need a joined-up holistic healthcare system that is simple to navigate and supports women and girls of any age to make the best choices for their sexual and reproductive health at any point of their life course, wherever they live.  

“It is crucial that everyone in need of contraception can access comprehensive care wherever they choose to. We call on the Government to take urgent action to address these barriers. Last year, we launched the FSRH Hatfield Vision, a framework to improve reproductive health outcomes, with clear actions which when implemented will drastically improve access to contraception for all women.” 

ENDS  

For further information, please contact: Lorna Kelly, External Affairs Manager, at lkelly@fsrh.org  
 
Notes to Editors  
 
The Jan-July 2022 data can be found here 
The 2021 data can be found here  
 
 
About FSRH  
The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) is the largest UK professional membership organisation working at the heart of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), supporting healthcare professionals to deliver high quality care. It works with its 15,000 members to shape sexual reproductive health for all. It produces evidence-based clinical guidance, standards, training, qualifications and research into SRH. It also delivers conferences and publishes the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health in partnership with the BMJ.