Northern Ireland Abortion Statistics Publication 2024/25
Date published:
The Department of Health today published statistics relating to abortions in Northern Ireland 2024/25.
The statistical bulletin presents information on the number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland during 2020/21 – 2024/25.
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 2025. The publication is not comparable to publications prior to 2024.
- During 2024/25 there were 2,899 abortions carried out in Northern Ireland, an increase of 3.7% from 2,795 in 2023/24.
- In 2024/25, the vast majority of abortions, 88.9%, were medical abortions.
- During 2024/25, there were 74 abortions carried out on women under 18, 2,215 carried out on women aged 18 – 34 years and 565 carried out on women aged 35 years and over.
- Across the five years between 2020/21 and 2024/25, the vast majority of abortions were performed under ground A ‘the pregnancy has not exceeded 11 weeks + 6 days’. In 2024/25, 94.6% of abortions (2,692) were performed under ground A.
- In 2024/25 89.1% of abortions were carried out under 10 weeks gestation, a decrease from 93.0% in 2023/24.
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
Tel: 028 9052 8452
Email: statistics@health-ni.gov.uk
Internet: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/termination-pregnancy - For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk
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