Abortions have surged by almost 50% in the first two weeks of this year compared with the same time last year, according to abortion provider MSI Reproductive Choices, formerly Marie Stopes International.
The abortion giant said that it has administered 47% more abortions in the first two weeks of 2023 compared with the same time period last year. In addition, they have had 51% more phone consultations, which are usually the beginning of the abortion process, compared with last year.
The British Medical Journal reports that MSI Reproductive Choices has increased its surgical abortions by 38% and its ‘DIY’ home abortion appointments by 60%.
A spokesperson for NHS England confirmed that there had recently been a surge in demand for abortions.
MSI Reproductive Choices revealed that in response to the increase in demand, it was training staff to perform more abortions and has hired more people for its call centres.
President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Ranee Thakar, said “We are seeing increased demand for abortion services at a time where we are also seeing immense pressures on all NHS services and staff”.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care commented “The government recognises there is more work to do to improve women’s reproductive health”.
Record number of abortions in 2021
Abortion statistics released by the Department for Health and Social Care last year showed the highest number of abortions ever recorded in England and Wales, with 214,869 taking place in 2021, an increase of 4,009 from 2020.
This rise in abortions has accompanied the first full year that ‘DIY’ home abortion services have been operating in England and Wales.
The statistics show a rise in repeat abortions from 87,926 in 2020 up to 91,313 in 2021. This represents 3,387 more repeat abortions than in 2020, an increase of 3.85%.
Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said “It is tragic that the only apparent response to the increased demand for abortions from both doctors and the Department of Health, is to meet that demand. The Government and these medical bodies should be targeting their efforts to help women and families to have their babies rather than abort them”.
