Faith
UK’s Record Abortion Numbers Spark Calls for Change
Faith Facts
- UK abortion numbers reached the highest ever in 2023, with nearly 300,000 lives lost.
- Pro-life advocates highlight the removal of important safeguards and urge greater support for women and unborn children.
- Polling shows strong public support for reinstating in-person consultations and protecting life.
Abortion statistics released by the Department of Health and Social Care reveal a record total of 278,740 abortions in England and Wales during 2023—a jump of over 10% from the previous year.
When including Scotland and estimated figures from Northern Ireland, the UK-wide total approaches 299,614, marking the highest annual count since the Abortion Act was introduced in 1967.
These numbers underscore a sobering reality: an average of 762 abortions occur every day across the UK, or one every two minutes.
A substantial rise in repeat abortions was noted, with over 42% involving women who have previously undergone the procedure.
“That almost 300,000 lives have been lost to abortion across the UK in just one year is a clear sign that something has gone very wrong in our society.”
The data also noted a significant increase in abortions for reasons including disability, with 735 involving babies diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and several taking place beyond 24 weeks’ gestation.
Dawn McAvoy of Both Lives UK and Catherine Robinson of Right To Life UK stress the need for public debate, warning that recent policy changes—such as the removal of in-person medical consultations—endanger both women and unborn children.
“Having children is essential to the future prosperity of our country. Children are to be prized and celebrated, with full support and compassion offered when pregnancies are unplanned.”
Polling indicates that most women support a return to in-person consultations, limits on abortion time-frames, and stronger legal safeguards protecting life.
Christian leaders and pro-life organizations urge Parliament to reject attempts to further liberalize abortion laws and to uphold the sanctity of life—emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in society.
Believers are encouraged to lift these issues in prayer and to advocate for compassionate lawmaking that affirms life, protects families, and upholds Christian values in public policy.