HC Deb 08 July 1987 vol 119 cc164-6W
Mr. Nicholas Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of abortions carried out in each year since the passing of the Abortion Act 1967 for the following reasons: (a) rape and (b) danger to the life of the mother.

Mr. Newton

The available information is shown in the table. Prior to 1987, it is not possible to identify reliably all those notifications of abortions which mention rape. Arrangements are being made in order to provide this information for current and future abortions.

Number of notifications of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act 1967, residents and non-residents, in emergency in order to save the life of the pregnant woman, England and Wales, 1968–1986
Year Number
1968 16
1969 14

Year Number
1970 10
1971 10
1972 10
1973 7
1974 3
1975 6
1976 1
1977 3
1978 5
1979 3
1980 4
1981 5
1982 7
1983 3
1984 9
1985 5
1986 2