Scotland’s Abortion Rates Hit Record High in 2024, Sparking Debate

Scotland Records Highest Number of Abortions in 2024

Abortion statistics in Scotland have reached unprecedented levels, as revealed by the latest data from Public Health Scotland. The year 2024 saw a record 18,710 abortions, marking an increase of 468 from the previous year.

Catherine Robinson of Right To Life UK expressed her concern, stating, “It is a great tragedy that 18,710 lives were lost to abortion in Scotland last year, the highest number on record.” She emphasized the societal failure to support women facing unplanned pregnancies.

The data also indicated a slight rise in the abortion rate among women aged 15 to 44, from 17.5 per 1,000 in 2023 to 17.9 per 1,000 in 2024. Repeat abortions accounted for a significant portion, with numbers increasing from 7,282 to 7,670, representing over 40% of all abortions last year.

Notably, there was an increase in abortions due to Down’s syndrome diagnoses, from 52 in 2023 to 60 in 2024, and a broader rise in disability-selective abortions, which totalled 280 cases—a 76.74% increase compared to 2018.

Abortions performed between 18 and 20 weeks of pregnancy also saw a slight rise, with numbers moving from 147 in 2023 to 152 in 2024.

The release of these figures has fueled discussions about abortion services in Scotland, particularly concerning the permanence of at-home abortions. Initially introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, this option is now a standard part of healthcare services, despite criticism over safety due to the lack of in-person consultations.

Right To Life UK has reiterated its call for the Scottish government to bring back face-to-face consultations. Robinson highlighted concerns raised before the permanent implementation of at-home abortions, citing cases like Carla Foster’s, where the absence of in-person consultations led to health risks.

“Ahead of at-home abortions being permanently made available, a large number of MSPs, MPs and medical professionals warned about the negative impact these schemes would have on women,” Robinson noted. She argued that reinstating in-person appointments is crucial to ensure women’s safety.

In the realm of legislation, September 2024 saw SNP delegates backing a motion to enshrine the right to abortion in any future constitution for an independent Scotland. This move aims to protect reproductive rights, although critics caution it could result in one of the most liberal abortion laws worldwide.

Additionally, the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act was enacted, establishing 200-metre buffer zones around abortion clinics. These zones, which prevent protests and any form of engagement, are the largest of their kind globally. Violations of these zones could result in fines of up to £10,000 or higher penalties upon indictment.

Public opinion on these issues is divided, as reported by the Daily Telegraph. The majority of women (71%) favor a return to in-person consultations, while only 9% support the current at-home model. Furthermore, 70% of women advocate for reducing the time limit on abortions, and 91% oppose sex-selective abortions.