Number of abortions in Jersey rises to highest level since 2002 and above EU average

The number of abortions in Jersey is at its highest level since 2002.

Around 260 pregnancy terminations were recorded in 2023, according to a report by Public Health.

This marks an 8% increase from the previous year when there were 240.

Health officials believe the higher cost of living and financial pressures could be factors behind the rise, as well as increased access to medical rather than surgical terminations.

Jersey's abortion rate is consistently lower than England and Wales but higher than the European Union average.

Medical abortions accounted for 93% of all terminations with 92% performed less than 10 weeks into the pregnancy.

The number of terminations between 10 and 12 weeks has fallen from 49% in 2001 to 8% in 2023.

Fewer than five abortions were performed in England and Wales for Jersey residents.

Between 2021 and 2023, 12% of terminations involved women under 20 and 69% were aged between 20 and 34 years.

Three in four abortions were for women having their first termination, 19% were undergoing their second and 6% had three or more previous abortions.

Public Health said publishing these statistics could help inform and develop health provision in Jersey.

They wrote: "The report seeks to support informed decision-making and enhance understanding of the factors influencing abortion trends in our community.

"This year's findings will help guide future public health strategies and improve reproductive health services."