HC Deb 16 March 1970 vol 798 cc51-2W
Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children in and out of wedlock, respectively, were deprived of birth, due to the operation of the Abortion Act.

Mr. Ross

During the period 27th April, 1968, to 31st December, 1969, there were 5,009 abortions carried out in Scotland under the Abortion Act. Of these about 35 per cent. were performed on unmarried women and about 54 per cent. on married women. The remaining 11 per cent. involved women who were widowed, separated or divorced, or whose marital status was not stated. It is not possible to say in how many cases the pregnancies terminated by abortion would have resulted in the birth of live, healthy children.