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Abortions Hit Record High in England and Wales Amid Economic Struggles

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In England and Wales, abortions rose 11% in 2023 to the highest level since the Abortion Act of 1967.
Healthcare providers attribute the rise to rising cost of living and limited access to contraception, with Katie Saxon of BPAS noting that economic pressures influence women's reproductive choices.
72% of abortions were performed at home, a method introduced during the Covid pandemic.
Abortions beyond 20 weeks remained stable at 1-2%.

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Story summary

In England and Wales, abortions rose 11% in 2023 to the highest level since the Abortion Act of 1967.
Healthcare providers attribute the rise to rising cost of living and limited access to contraception, with Katie Saxon of BPAS noting that economic pressures influence women's reproductive choices.
72% of abortions were performed at home, a method introduced during the Covid pandemic.
Abortions beyond 20 weeks remained stable at 1-2%.