Abortion rates are not lower in countries that restrict abortion, says study

Countries with restricted access to abortion, including the UK, do not have lower termination rates than those that are more liberal, a new study suggests.

Experts examined data for 27 EU countries and found no overall difference between termination rates for those allowing women abortions on request compared with those with certain conditions.

Terminations are illegal in Ireland and Malta, and Poland allows them for foetal abnormality, serious maternal health risks, and for pregnancies resulting from reported rape.