Teen UK terminations rise but overall figures fall
THE number of Irish women who had an abortion last year fell from the previous year -- but the number of teens travelling for a termination has risen.
The most recent figures available, which detail how many women travelled to UK clinics in 2009, show 38 girls who were younger than 16 had an abortion.
The number aged 19 or younger having abortions increased to 193, compared to 167 in 2008.
The number of women in their mid- to late-30s and 40s who had an abortion also increased -- but numbers overall fell from 4,600 in 2008 to 4,422 last year.
The figures, from the UK Department of Health, are based on those who give an Irish address.
Most women travel to the UK, but 134 went to the Netherlands for an abortion last year.
- Edel Kennedy
Irish Independent
