 |
Dec 22 2002 | |
Paul Malley | |
ALlmost 40 per cent of unmarried pregnant women in the West Midlands are having abortions, it was revealed today. The shock statistic follows news the size of the average family in England and Wales has shrunk from 2.4 children to 1.64 - an all-time low. The figures have been described as "alarming" by pro-life groups, while pro-choice campaigners have urged the government to improve sex education for young people. According to the Office for National Statistics, 22,800 women fell pregnant outside marriage in the West Midlands in 2000. Of these 37.1 per cent - around 8,458 - were terminated by abortion which is almost 1.5 per cent above the national average. Yet the percentage of unmarried women under 18 having abortions is even greater. Of 2,700 pregnancies in the West Midlands, 44.3 per cent - around 1,196 - ended in termination. In total 43,200 women (married and unmarried) fell pregnant in 2000 in the region and 23 per cent opted for abortion - slightly above the average for England and Wales. In comparison, the percentage of unmarried women having abortions in 1997 in the West Midlands was less, at 35 per cent of 22,700 conceptions. In total 44,300 women fell pregnant in that year in the region, with abortion levels standing at 22 per cent. Nuala Scarisbrick, of anti-abortion charity Life, said the new figures were very worrying. "These are very alarming statistics, especially when you realise the birth rate has also fallen so dramatically," she said. "Morally, it's a pity so many unborn children are being killed in the West Midlands. I also worry about the affect abortion has on women both physically and psychologically." She said Life existed to offer help to pregnant women having a difficult time. "We have four houses in the Midlands offering support and training in life skills to homeless mothers before and after birth," she added. A spokesman for Marie Stopes family planning agency called for an improvement in the level of sex education. He said: "Sex education in this country leaves a lot to be desired. We need to start educating young people at an early age about contraception." But he added: "In no way can it be said that women are using abortion as a contraceptive. That is far too simplistic. "We would always defend a woman's right to have an abortion. It is legitimate decision and has been sanctioned by law for ..SUPL: |
