The latest abortion statistics have been released.
There has been a small rise in the number of abortions carried out in Northern Ireland last year, with 2,899 procedures recorded in 2024/25, according to new Department of Health figures.
The annual statistical bulletin, published today, covers the five-year period since the new legal framework took effect on 31 March 2020.
The figures span from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025 and are not directly comparable with publications prior to 2024.
The latest data shows a 3.7% increase on the 2,795 abortions recorded in 2023/24.
According to the Department, medical abortions continued to make up the overwhelming majority of procedures last year, accounting for 88.9% of all terminations.
Women aged 18 to 34 represented the largest age group, with 2,215 abortions carried out in this category.
There were 74 abortions involving girls under 18, and 565 involving women aged 35 and over.
The latest abortion statistics have been released.
News Catch Up – Monday 1 December
As in previous years, most procedures were carried out early in pregnancy.
Some 94.6% of abortions (2,692 cases) took place under Ground A, which applies when a pregnancy has not exceeded 11 weeks and six days.
The bulletin also notes that 89.1% of all abortions occurred before 10 weeks’ gestation. This marks a slight decline from 93% in 2023/24.
Thirty-three abortions (1.2%) were carried out at 20 weeks gestation or later in 2024/25.
The Department of Health said the statistics are based on formal notifications submitted to the Chief Medical Officer.
Abortion was decriminalised here on 22 October 2019.