Marie Stopes International announces highest ever UK abortion figures for a single month

Wednesday, 07, Feb 2007 12:00

Leading UK reproductive health provider Marie Stopes International (MSI) has recorded its busiest ever month for abortion services in its 32 year history. The agency provided abortion services to nearly 6,000 clients at its nine UK centres in January, 2007 – an increase of 13% on January 2006.

One fifth of MSI’s clients chose medical abortion as their treatment of choice.

“It’s too soon to say whether the figures we have recorded will be reflected across the country in official national statistics to be published later this year,” said Liz Davies, MSI Director of UK Operations.

“It does seem, however, that we may be seeing the consequences of the festive season, when partying excess and alcohol consumption combine to increase libido and lower inhibition, with the inevitable consequences of unprotected sex resulting in unplanned pregnancies.”

Anticipating this annual trend, in the run up to Christmas 2006, Marie Stopes International encouraged women to obtain Emergency Contraception in advance of the party season. MSI’s party purse, comprising one pack of Emergency Contraception (Levonelle 1500), two condoms and a Christmas sexual health guide, was available at MSI’s nine UK centres.

“Despite our efforts we have still seen the biggest rise ever in abortion figures in the month after Christmas,” added Liz Davies.

“It’s obvious that one agency working in this field with limited resources can never have a significant impact on abortion figures. There is a clear case for an annual government-funded national education campaign to alert women and men to the importance of preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs including HIV/AIDS.”

“On its part, Marie Stopes International will continue to do whatever it can to ensure that every woman attending its centres for abortion services leaves committed to using an effective method of contraception.”