Estimation of illegal abortions

Abstract

Figures published in the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (1967), and also for a population of known size in Aberdeen, confirm a previous conclusion, derived primarily from mortality statistics, that currently accepted estimates of 100,000 illegal abortions in Great Britain each year before the Abortion Act 1967 came into operation are much exaggerated. A National Opinion Polls estimate of 31,000 is also regarded as too high, and the Aberdeen data suggest that the true figure probably did not exceed 20,000. It is important to arrive at an accurate estimate for the proper assessment of the demographic and other effects of the change in the law. The Registrar General's figures for legal terminations during the first months' operation of the Act are discussed in a postscript.