A total of 2,899 abortions took place in Northern Ireland in the 12 months to 31 March 2025, the highest on record and an increase of 104 (3.72%) from the previous 12 months, according to statistics released by the Department of Health.
This is an 84% increase compared to the year ending 31 March 2021, when there were 1,574 abortions.
There was a 103% increase in late abortions at 13 weeks and over, with 154 abortions occurring at 13 weeks and over, up from 76 for the year ending 31 March 2024.
The statistics show that there was also a 19% increase in disability-selective abortions for ‘non-fatal disabilities’ from the year ending 31 March 2022. Under ground E of the 2020 Regulations, babies with Down’s syndrome, cleft lip and club foot can be aborted right through to birth.
There was also a 61% increase in abortions for girls under 18 years old from the year ending 31 March 2021.
