Highest number of abortions ever recorded in 2024

More abortions took place in Jersey in 2024 than at any time since 2002, a report has found.

The Abortions Report found about 280 pregnancies were terminated in 2024 - up from 260 in 2023, and compared with 210 in 2002.

The highest ever number of terminations was recorded among women aged between 25 and 29, the report said.

It also found Jersey's abortion ratio was the highest on record and above the EU average, with 390 terminations per 1,000 live births.

The Public Health annual report said the abortion ratio was the highest reported in the past 25 years.

It said the rise was driven "not only by small year-on-year increases in the number of abortions being conducted but also by a significant reduction in the number of live births in recent years".

The report said Jersey's abortion ratio of 390 per 1,000 was "notably higher" than many European countries with the EU average being 199 and Great Britain 328.

It added this may reflect improved access to abortion care and a broader shift in reproductive decision-making.

The report showed an increase in the abortion rate from 9.7 per 1,000 in 2020 to 14.9 in 2024.

It also found the proportion of abortions performed before 10 weeks' gestation was 93% in 2024 which it said indicated better early pregnancy recognition and access to services.

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