HC Deb 27 July 1978 vol 954 cc919-20W
Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of pregnanacies was terminated as a result of tears as to the possible consequences of German measles contracted during pregnancy during each of the past five years.

Mr. Moyle

The latest available figures are as follows:

PROPORTION OF PREGNANCIES TERMINATED FOR REASONS ASSOCIATED WITH GERMAN MEASLES ENGLAND AND WALES PRESIDENTS: 1972–76
1972
Medical ground for termination Number Proportion per 1,000 abortions
German measles disease 577 5.31
German measles contact 161 1.48
German measles immunisation 38 0.35
Total 776 7.15
All Abortions 108,565

1973
Medical ground for termination Number Proportion per 1,000 abortions
German measles disease 681 6.16
German measles contact 136 1.23
German measles immunisation 23 0.21
Total 840 7.60
All Abortions 110,568

1974
Medical ground for termination Number Proportion per 1,000 abortions
German measles disease 511 4.67
German measles contact 119 1.09
German measles immunisation 32 0.29
Total 662 6.05
All Abortions 109,445

1975
Medical ground for termination Number Proportion per 1,000 abortions
German measles disease 402 3.78
German measles contact 93 0.88
German measles immunisation 27 0.25
Total 524* 4.93
All Abortions 106,224

1976
Medical ground for termination Number Proportion per 1,000 abortions
German measles disease 144 1.41
German measles contact 69 0.68
German measles immunisation 40 0.39
Total 253 2.48
All Abortions 101,912
* Including two cases involving German measles without further classification