In Wales, the number of teenagers under 18 years of age having abortions has reached a five-year high. The current figures released by the assembly government show that 1,043 teenagers received pregnancy abortions in 2007, which is an increase from 906 in 2002. Spokesperson for the British Medical Association in Wales, Dr Andrew Dearden said that the rise was alarming. He said that education was the best way to improve the situation.

The number of legal abortions carried out in 2007 also rose to almost 18 % higher than in 2002, with an average of 24 terminations per day. The largest age group having abortions was shown to be women in the 20 to 24 year group. Of the women who had received abortions in 2007, it also showed that 2,400 of them were repeat abortions. Dr Dearden stated that these numbers also showed that Britain had one of the highest rates in Europe for teenage pregnancies.

Julie Bentley from the Family Planning Association also reiterated that education about pregnancy and abortion information was the key to reducing the number of terminations. She mentioned that “It is vital that young people have good access to confidential sexual health services, including information about abortion.”

The Welsh Assembly Government initially, did not comment, although later said that “Considering having an abortion is an extremely difficult decision for women, and it is therefore important that they receive abortion help and support from the NHS to ensure they get safe abortion care and treatment.”

Northern Ireland has, for the first time, published guidelines for professional health care representatives working in abortion clinics. Currently terminations are illegal in NI, unless the mother’s life is in danger. These guidelines, released by the Department of Health, are to make it clear what is permitted and what is not, and will not change any Northern Ireland pregnancy abortion laws. For those members of staff who take part in terminations, the guidelines will also provide more clarity, according to the Royal College of Midwives.

Jeffrey Donaldson, DUP MP, however, said that he and his party colleagues are not happy with some of the guidelines. His ministers voted against the guidelines being released at the executive following some concerns that remained unresolved, after various issues were discussed with the Health Minister.

The termination guidelines state that the law regarding abortion is not being liberalised and merely explain the circumstance of when a legal termination of pregnancy may be carried out whether it is via the abortion pill or a medical abortion. It includes sections about consent from the mother, abortion counselling before and after the procedure, and highlights the importance of leaflets that are to be distributed by relevant health care organisations. Those members of staff who do not wish to participate in any abortions will also be protected under the guidelines.

Family Planning Association representative, Audrey Simpson, said that the guidelines were positive, as they are an acknowledgment by the government that there are certain situations where an abortion is necessary.

List of treatments:

• Early Medical Abortion (the abortion pill) 9 weeks
• Post abortion Counselling