Northern Ireland abortion statistics publication 2023/24
Date published:
The Department of Health (DoH) today published statistics relating to abortions in Northern Ireland 2023/24.
The statistical bulletin presents information on the number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland during 2020/21 – 2023/24.
The information release is published online.
Key Points
- On 22 October 2019 abortion in Northern Ireland was decriminalised, with legislation being passed on 31 March 2020. The figures presented in the current publication cover the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2024. The publication is not comparable to publications prior to 2024.
- The number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland was 1,574 in 2020/21, 1,757 in 2021/22, 2,168 in 2022/23 and 2,792 in 2023/24.
- During 2020/21, there were 46 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,149 carried out on women aged 18 – 34 years and 362 carried out on women aged 35 years and over.
- During 2021/22, there were 54 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,360 carried out on women aged 18 – 34 years and 308 carried out on women aged 35 years and over.
- During 2022/23, there were 60 abortions carried out on women under 18, 1,664 carried out on women aged 18 – 34 years and 409 carried out on women aged 35 years and over.
- During 2023/24, there were 72 abortions carried out on women under 18, 2,118 carried out on women aged 18 – 34 years and 567 carried out on women aged 35 years and over.
Notes to editors:
- The source of this information is notifications provided to the CMO in Northern Ireland.
- Further information on Northern Ireland abortions is available from:
Hospital Information Branch
Department of Health
Annexe 2, Castle Buildings
Stormont, BT4 3SQ
Tel: 028 90 528452
Email: statistics@health-ni.gov.uk
Internet: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/termination-pregnancy - For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
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