The highest number of abortions ever recorded in England and Wales occurred last year, according to the Department for Health and Social Care. This includes 859 terminations where a baby had Down’s syndrome, a huge increase of 23.95% from 2020.

The figures showed 214,869 abortions taking place, an increase of 4,009 from 2020.

The statistics also show a 71% increase in late-term abortions at 24 weeks gestation or over where the baby had Down’s syndrome, increasing from 14 in 2020 to 24 in 2021.

There was also a 9% increase in the overall number of abortions for babies with disabilities, also known as eugenics, increasing from 3,083 in 2020 to 3,370 in 2021. The number of late-term abortions at 24 weeks gestation or over where the baby has a disability increased by 20% from 229 to 274.

There was also an increase of 14% in the number of abortions where a baby had a cleft lip and palate, rising from 35 in 2020 to 40 in 2021. The number of late-term abortions at 24 weeks gestation or over where the baby had cleft lip and palate, increased by 100% from 3 to 6.