Media statement
London, 11th June 2020 – If you are covering today’s 2019 Abortion Statistics for England and Wales from the Department of Health and Social Care, showing that abortion rates are at their highest level since 2008, with an increase in rates for all ages 25 and above, you may find the following statement from Marie Stopes UK helpful.
Marie Stopes UK’s Medical Director Jonathan Lord said:
“Today’s figures are not surprising and underline the crucial need for women of all ages to be able to access comprehensive contraceptive services and abortion care, from the point at which they become sexually active right through to the menopause.
“Efforts to reduce teenage conception rates have led to a sharp decline since 2005, but the contraceptive needs of women in their twenties, thirties and forties, including those who already have children, have been sadly neglected.
“The main issue is the lack of investment in contraceptive services, which has led to poor access and unacceptable waits, particularly for the most effective long acting methods, such as the implant and coil. This is incredibly frustrating not least because investment in contraceptive care is one of the most cost effective public health measures. It’s vital that we protect the funding needed to continue the progress made over the last 10 years and give women the contraceptive services they deserve.”
