Written question asked by Vivian Bendall (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 July 1996. It was answered by Angela Knight (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 July 1996 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: How many abortions have been performed within the North Thames Region under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and how many and what percentage of those abortions were performed in an emergency to save the life of the mother. - Inc ref to table 12.12 of "United Kingdom National Accounts" (in Library).

Answer: Mr. Bendall: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions have been performed within the north Thames region under the provisions of the Abortion Act 1967; and how many and what percentage of those abortions were performed in an emergency to save the life of the mother.[37010] Mrs. Angela Knight: The total number of abortions carried out under the Abortion Act to women usually resident in the North Thames health region{1} from 1970 to 1994{2} was 752,736. During this period 19 abortions-- zero per cent. of the total number--were performed in an emergency, certified by the operating practitioner as immediately necessary to save the life of the woman{3}. Notes: {1} Figures are based, where possible, on 1994 health authority boundaries. Other boundary changes have not been reflected in the figures. {2} Figures for 1968-69 are not held on a comparable basis. {3} Abortions performed under statutory ground 5 (1970-31 March 1991) and F (1 April 1991-present) i.e. where in the case of emergency it was necessary to save the life of the woman.

Secondary information