Abortion numbers drop

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Abortion statistics released today show 17,550 abortions were performed last year, down from 17,940 in 2008.

The figures, from Statistics New Zealand, showed the number of abortions carried out last year was the lowest since 2005, when 17,531 induced abortions took place.

The greatest number were carried out in 2003, when 18,511 took place.

The number last year equated to 218 abortions per 1000 live births, stillbirths and abortions.

Women aged 20-24 had the most abortions, totalling 5332, followed by women aged 15-19 with 3873, women aged 25-29 with 3539, while girls aged 11-14 had 79.

Most pregnancies (3580) were terminated at nine weeks, although 1941 took place before eight weeks, and 998 after 14 weeks.

The statistics showed women of European ethnicity had 10,113, followed by Maori women with 4131, Asian women had 2892 and Pacific women 2360.

International data for 2009 was not yet available for statistical comparison.

- NZPA