§ 35. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many abortions were recorded in 1972; how many resulted in death; and whether he will give the corresponding figures for the other years since the Abortion Act came into effect.
§ Mr. AlisonThe provisional number of legal abortions notified between 1st January and 27th December 1972 in England and Wales was 156,714. In 1971, 1970, 1969 and from 27th April to 31st December 1968 there were 126,777; 86,565; 54,819 and 23,641 notified abortions respectively.
So far, 13 notifications of abortion in 1972 have shown that the women died. The corresponding deaths in earlier years numbered 14 in 1971, 14 in 1970, 17 in 1969 and 3 in 1968. Most but not all these deaths were attributed to abortion.
In addition some deaths are attributed to abortion although not shown on the abortion notification; this number is not yet available for 1972 but there were 2 in 1971, 1 in 1970, 2 in 1969 and 1 in 1968.