The overwhelming reason for terminating unwanted pregnancies – 260 in total – given by Health and Social Services in a report lodged today was distress for the patient.
Just four were due to foetal abnormality and one to preserve the mental or physical well-being of the woman.
Of the total, 260 were carried out before 12 weeks gestation, with five up to 24 weeks.
Eight of those who had abortions were under the age of 15, with the bulk performed on women between the ages of 16 and 44.
The greatest number – 74 – were performed on women aged 20 to 24.Fifty-three women were married, 196 single, 13 divorced, two separated and one widowed.The report also reveals that 128 women sought terminations for first-time pregnancies but five had experienced seven.
In one case it was the woman’s fourth abortion.
