15th January 2026
Abortion statistics published by the Department of Health and Social Care show that in 2023 there were 277,970 abortions in England and Wales – the highest number since the Abortion Act was introduced and an 11% increase on the previous year.
The data show increases in abortion rates across all age groups, including among under-18s, and confirm that abortion care is increasingly accessed early. Almost nine in ten abortions (89%) took place under nine weeks’ gestation. Medical abortion remained the most common method, accounting for 87% of all abortions, with taking both medications at home the most frequently used pathway.
While these figures provide important context, they are now significantly out of date. Since 2023, the reproductive health landscape has changed considerably. The ongoing cost of living crisis, sustained pressure on NHS services, and shifting attitudes towards contraception – particularly hormonal methods – are all influencing people’s reproductive choices in ways not captured in this data.
Rising living costs, insecure housing and reduced access to contraception and sexual health services continue to disproportionately affect women, young people and those on lower incomes. These pressures shape whether and when someone feels able to continue a pregnancy, highlighting the need for timely, flexible abortion services that meet people’s individual circumstances.
The statistics also reinforce the importance of choice in abortion care. While many people value the privacy and convenience of remote and at-home medical abortion, face-to-face care and surgical options remain essential for others. A one-size-fits-all approach risks excluding those with complex needs, safeguarding concerns, or medical requirements.
Richard Bentley, Managing Director of MSI UK, said:
“Behind every statistic is a person making a deeply personal decision within the realities of their own life. At MSI UK, our focus is on individual choice and equity of access. Whether someone chooses medical or surgical care, remote support or face-to-face appointments, they should be able to access high-quality abortion care without delay, judgement or barriers. In a time of widening inequality and rising living costs, protecting real choice is essential.”
Over recent years, MSI UK has prioritised access and choice, ensuring people can select the pathway that is right for them. Alongside expanding telemedicine services, MSI UK has invested in surgical provision and workforce training to protect long-term capacity, and introduced digital tools such as online booking and webchat to make access quicker and easier.
As policymakers look ahead, these historic figures underline a clear message: there is no right or wrong number of abortions. What matters is that everyone who needs care can access it promptly, safely and with dignity – supported by services that put choice and equity at their core.
– Ends -
The full statistics are online here.
Notes for journalists:
- In 2023, there were 277,970 abortions in England and Wales, an 11% increase on 2022
- 89% of abortions took place under nine weeks’ gestation
- 87% of abortions were medical abortions
- Taking both abortion medications at home was the most common care pathway
- Over the past three years, MSI UK clients have chosen: 43% face-to-face medical abortion, 44% at-home medical abortion via telemedicine, 13% surgical abortion
- MSI UK has trained 21 surgeons in advanced surgical abortion care, with 15 more in training
- MSI UK offers online booking and webchat to improve access and choice
For more information, please email [email protected] or call 07769 166516
