HC Deb 07 May 1975 vol 891 cc464-5W
Mr. Bowden

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many abortions between 20 and 23 weeks after conception were carried out in NHS hospitals in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively;

(2) how many abortions between 16 and 20 weeks after conception were carried out in NHS hospitals in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively;

(3) how many abortions over 23 weeks after conception were carried out in NHS hospitals in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.

Dr. Owen

Abortions carried out in NHS hospitals of England and Wales on women resident in those countries were as follows:

Stated weeks of gestation
16–19 20–23 24 and over
1972 3,000 484 97
1973 2,653 487 91
1974 Not available

Mr. MacCormick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many abortions were carried out on mothers 16 or more weeks pregnant, during the year 1974, under the National Health Service.

Dr. Owen

I regret that data for 1974 are not yet available in this form.

Mr. Monro

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many abortions were carried out within the National Health Service in 1974.

Dr. Owen

55,859 notifications of legal abortions were received from NHS hospitals in England and Wales in 52 weeks ending 1st January 1975.

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