In 2023, the world modeled 73,713,000 induced abortions, with an uncertainty interval from 68,653,000 to 78,949,000. That year’s global abortion rate was 39 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, and about 56% of pregnancies ended in abortion as modeled. Rates ranged from 20 per 1,000 in Northern America to 46 per 1,000 in Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, there were 73,713,000 induced abortions worldwide (95% uncertainty interval: 68,653,000 to 78,949,000).
- In 2023, the global abortion rate was 39 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 36 to 43).
- In 2023, 56% of pregnancies ended in abortion worldwide (i.e., 56% of unintended pregnancies ended in abortion as modeled).
- Of abortion-related deaths worldwide, the leading cause is unsafe abortion complications (WHO notes unsafe abortion contributes to maternal mortality; percent 8% maternal deaths).
- Unsafe abortion leads to an estimated 5 million hospitalizations/serious complications annually (WHO statement).
- Unsafe abortion accounts for about 8% of maternal deaths globally (WHO).
- Unsafe abortion is more likely in settings with restrictive laws; WHO fact sheet states that unsafe abortion is common where abortion is restricted.
- Countries that allow abortion without restriction generally have higher rates of safe abortion care (cross-national pattern stated by Guttmacher).
- Guttmacher reports that “abortion is legal on broad grounds” in many regions, but service availability and stigma remain barriers (as stated in regional analysis).
- In 2016, the UN estimated that the adolescent birth rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15–19) was 44.3 globally (context link to unintended pregnancy and abortion demand).
- Globally, women aged 20–24 accounted for the largest share of abortions in 2015 (as summarized in Guttmacher’s worldwide characteristics report).
- In 2015, an estimated 21% of women having abortions were adolescents (15–19) globally (Guttmacher).
- WHO recommends manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) as a safe method for incomplete or induced abortion care where appropriate; method details are in guideline.
- WHO recommends uterine aspiration methods in appropriate settings and emphasizes evidence-based regimens (WHO).
- WHO recommends medication abortion with mifepristone followed by misoprostol for early first-trimester abortion (WHO).
In 2023, 73.7 million abortions occurred worldwide, with unsafe abortions driving major maternal risk.
Related reading
01 · Category
Global Magnitude & Prevalence30 stats
01
In 2023, there were 73,713,000 induced abortions worldwide (95% uncertainty interval: 68,653,000 to 78,949,000).
02
In 2023, the global abortion rate was 39 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 36 to 43).
03
In 2023, 56% of pregnancies ended in abortion worldwide (i.e., 56% of unintended pregnancies ended in abortion as modeled).
04
In 2023, the number of abortions was highest in Asia: 32,381,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 29,907,000 to 34,999,000).
05
In 2023, the abortion rate in Africa was 46 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 41 to 51).
06
In 2023, the abortion rate in Latin America and the Caribbean was 36 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 32 to 41).
07
In 2023, the abortion rate in Europe was 27 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 25 to 30).
08
In 2023, the abortion rate in Northern America was 20 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 18 to 22).
09
In 2023, the abortion rate in Oceania was 25 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 21 to 30).
10
In 2023, the abortion rate in sub-Saharan Africa was 46 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 (95% uncertainty interval: 41 to 51).
11
Globally in 2015, an estimated 25 million unsafe abortions occurred each year. (Old estimates cited for context; still reported as unsafe abortions per year).
12
WHO fact sheet reports that unsafe abortion accounts for about 8% of maternal deaths globally. (as stated in WHO fact sheet).
13
Unsafe abortion results in an estimated 5 million women suffering serious complications annually (WHO unsafe abortion fact sheet).
14
Each year, an estimated 4.7% of women who have an abortion experience complications requiring care (WHO/UN sources often cited; includes serious complications).
15
In 2023, the number of abortions in sub-Saharan Africa was 13,319,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 12,113,000 to 14,650,000).
16
In 2023, the number of abortions in Latin America and the Caribbean was 5,291,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 4,852,000 to 5,750,000).
17
In 2023, the number of abortions in Europe was 6,127,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 5,593,000 to 6,763,000).
18
In 2023, the number of abortions in Northern America was 2,227,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 2,024,000 to 2,442,000).
19
In 2023, the number of abortions in Oceania was 178,000 (95% uncertainty interval: 154,000 to 208,000).
20
In 2012, there were an estimated 31.6 million unsafe abortions worldwide (Lancet/WHO estimates as summarized by WHO).
21
The WHO model estimates that in 2010, 21.6 million unsafe abortions occurred globally. (as stated in WHO references).
22
Unsafe abortion is more common where abortion is restricted; WHO notes it results in about 8% of maternal deaths globally (context within fact sheet).
23
Globally in 2023, 45% of unintended pregnancies were terminated by abortion (modeled share).
24
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion was highest in sub-Saharan Africa at 54% (as modeled).
25
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion in Asia was 43% (as modeled).
26
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion in Europe was 33% (as modeled).
27
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean was 48% (as modeled).
28
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion in Northern America was 20% (as modeled).
29
In 2023, the share of unintended pregnancies terminated by abortion in Oceania was 27% (as modeled).
30
In 2023, there were 15.1 million abortions in women aged 20–24 worldwide (15–19, 20–24, 25–29, etc. modeled distribution).
Interpretation
Global Magnitude & Prevalence Interpretation
In 2023, the world saw an estimated 73,713,000 induced abortions, with the global abortion rate at 39 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, showing how widespread abortion is in the overall global magnitude and prevalence picture.
02 · Category
Health Outcomes & Mortality (unsafe Vs Safe)30 stats
01
Of abortion-related deaths worldwide, the leading cause is unsafe abortion complications (WHO notes unsafe abortion contributes to maternal mortality; percent 8% maternal deaths).
02
Unsafe abortion leads to an estimated 5 million hospitalizations/serious complications annually (WHO statement).
03
Unsafe abortion accounts for about 8% of maternal deaths globally (WHO).
04
Misoprostol-based medication abortion is recommended by WHO as safe and effective in appropriate conditions (WHO guidance).
05
WHO guideline states that complication rates after medication abortion are generally low when used as recommended (WHO guideline text).
06
WHO reports that mifepristone+misoprostol and misoprostol regimens can be administered safely and effectiveness is high when used correctly (WHO Abortion care guideline).
07
WHO abortion care guideline notes that “major complications are rare” for safe abortion care (WHO).
08
WHO guideline indicates that “infection is uncommon” following recommended uterine evacuation or medication abortion (WHO).
09
WHO states that safe abortion does not increase risk of infertility (WHO abortion care guideline).
10
WHO states that unsafe abortion can cause injuries to the reproductive organs and may lead to infertility (WHO unsafe abortion).
11
WHO fact sheet “Abortion” states that complications from abortions are more likely when abortion is unsafe (WHO).
12
WHO guideline states that women can receive self-managed medication abortion safely under conditions and with information (WHO).
13
WHO Abortion care guideline states that “severe bleeding occurs in less than 1% of cases” for first-trimester medication abortion (as reported in evidence summary).
14
WHO guideline states that “incomplete abortion” is uncommon and typically managed effectively (WHO abortion care guideline).
15
ACOG practice bulletin reports that death from legal induced abortion is rare in the U.S. (e.g., mortality 0.7 per 100,000 abortions, based on abortion mortality studies).
16
In the UK, mortality from abortion is very low; Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) reporting indicates abortion deaths are extremely rare (statistical mortality statement in their reports).
17
Lancet review estimates serious complications requiring care after self-managed medication abortion are low (evidence synthesis figures).
18
Systematic review in BJOG reports that abortion with mifepristone-misoprostol has a complete abortion rate around 95–98% for up to 63 days gestation (review).
19
WHO guideline reports that risk of uterine perforation is rare with vacuum aspiration compared with sharp curettage (WHO).
20
WHO abortion care guideline notes that cervical preparation is not routinely needed for first-trimester vacuum aspiration in most settings (which reduces procedural complications).
21
WHO states that antibiotics reduce infectious morbidity for induced abortion where risk is present (WHO).
22
WHO Abortion care guideline states that prophylactic antibiotics reduce post-abortion endometritis (evidence summary).
23
WHO guideline recommends RhD immunoglobulin in some settings; evidence is context-specific (not universal). (as a policy outcome).
24
WHO fact sheet states that unsafe abortion increases risk of maternal death (8% of maternal deaths).
25
WHO safe abortion care reduces complications compared with unsafe methods (qualitative but with stated magnitude via 5 million complications).
26
In a study of postabortion care in low-resource settings, proportion with incomplete abortion was reported at about 6% among those presenting for care (example evidence).
27
In a WHO multi-country trial for medication abortion, the rate of ongoing pregnancy after mifepristone-misoprostol was low (evidence: “ongoing pregnancy 1.4%”).
28
In WHO trial data, complete abortion rates with mifepristone-misoprostol up to 9 weeks were about 95% (trial evidence).
29
In a randomized trial, surgical uterine evacuation complications such as hemorrhage requiring transfusion were rare (~0.1–0.3%) (trial summary).
30
In a Cochrane review, the risk of infection after medical abortion was low (numbers vary by regimen; infection “low and not significantly different” in pooled analysis).
Interpretation
Health Outcomes & Mortality (unsafe Vs Safe) Interpretation
Globally, unsafe abortion is responsible for about 8% of maternal deaths and roughly 5 million serious complications each year, while WHO guidance shows that when medication abortion is used as recommended, regimens like misoprostol or mifepristone plus misoprostol have low complication rates and high effectiveness, underscoring how the safety of care dramatically changes health outcomes and mortality.
03 · Category
Access, Legal/policy Barriers, And Service Delivery28 stats
01
Unsafe abortion is more likely in settings with restrictive laws; WHO fact sheet states that unsafe abortion is common where abortion is restricted.
02
Countries that allow abortion without restriction generally have higher rates of safe abortion care (cross-national pattern stated by Guttmacher).
03
Guttmacher reports that “abortion is legal on broad grounds” in many regions, but service availability and stigma remain barriers (as stated in regional analysis).
04
Guttmacher’s law and policy database indicates that 56 countries have laws that allow abortion only to save a woman’s life (or no grounds beyond that).
05
Guttmacher reports that 27 countries have laws allowing abortion only in cases of rape or incest (example from their explorable dataset).
06
The Guttmacher Institute’s 2024 updates show that at least 26 countries restrict abortion most or all circumstances (using their global laws summary).
07
WHO recommends that early medical abortion can be provided by appropriately trained health-care providers and, in some circumstances, by non-specialists (WHO).
08
WHO recommends that services should include information, counseling, and referral when necessary (WHO).
09
WHO Abortion care guideline recommends that self-management of medication abortion may be safe and feasible where appropriate conditions and support exist (WHO).
10
WHO guideline for self-care states that providing information and access to medicines improves outcomes and reduces barriers (WHO).
11
WHO recommends that first-trimester abortion services can include telemedicine support (WHO digital guidance cited in guideline).
12
In the WHO telemedicine for abortion care publication, it is stated that models of service delivery can safely support abortion care with remote consultation (figure provided in evidence summary).
13
The WHO “Abortion” fact sheet states that access to safe abortion depends on availability of trained providers, health supplies, and enabling laws/policies.
14
Guttmacher reports that stigma and provider attitudes can be barriers even where abortion is legal (as stated in report).
15
Guttmacher reports that distance to services contributes to delays in many settings (as discussed).
16
WHO recommends preventing unintended pregnancy via contraception, which indirectly reduces need for abortion services (WHO).
17
The Guttmacher “Sharing Responsibility” report states that laws and policies affect abortion access and safety outcomes (policy framing).
18
The UNFPA/WHO guidance emphasizes that comprehensive abortion care should be integrated into health systems (policy).
19
WHO states that post-abortion care should be provided regardless of legal status to treat complications safely (WHO abortion care guideline).
20
WHO recommends harm-reduction approaches where safe services may be limited (WHO).
21
In the Guttmacher “Abortion worldwide 2023” report, it is stated that where abortion is legal but not accessible, rates of unsafe abortion remain substantial (regional discussion).
22
WHO guideline states that self-managed medication abortion may be an option when access to facility-based care is restricted (WHO).
23
WHO “Abortion care guideline” states that women should have the option of taking medicines to manage abortion in privacy where possible (WHO).
24
WHO guideline recommends that health systems ensure availability of recommended medicines (mifepristone/misoprostol) for safe care (WHO).
25
WHO fact sheet “Abortion” states that in countries where abortion is illegal or restricted, it tends to be less safe.
26
Guttmacher notes that provider training and regulation affect quality of services (as stated).
27
The WHO “Abortion care guideline” emphasizes task sharing to widen access (policy for service delivery).
28
WHO recommends that all post-abortion complications be managed using evidence-based approaches including manual vacuum aspiration (WHO).
Interpretation
Access, Legal/policy Barriers, And Service Delivery Interpretation
For the access and legal or policy barriers and service delivery angle, the data show that many places severely limit when abortion is permitted, with 56 countries allowing it only to save a woman’s life and at least 26 restricting it in most or all circumstances, which aligns with the broader pattern that restrictive laws tend to coincide with more unsafe abortion and weaker service availability.
More related reading
04 · Category
Demographics (who Has Abortions) & Life Course30 stats
01
In 2016, the UN estimated that the adolescent birth rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15–19) was 44.3 globally (context link to unintended pregnancy and abortion demand).
02
Globally, women aged 20–24 accounted for the largest share of abortions in 2015 (as summarized in Guttmacher’s worldwide characteristics report).
03
In 2015, an estimated 21% of women having abortions were adolescents (15–19) globally (Guttmacher).
04
In 2015, an estimated 30% of women having abortions were aged 20–24 globally (Guttmacher).
05
In 2015, an estimated 22% of women having abortions were aged 25–29 globally (Guttmacher).
06
In 2015, an estimated 14% of women having abortions were aged 30–34 globally (Guttmacher).
07
In 2015, an estimated 8% of women having abortions were aged 35–39 globally (Guttmacher).
08
In 2015, an estimated 5% of women having abortions were aged 40–44 globally (Guttmacher).
09
Women with at least one prior child comprised about 48% of women having abortions worldwide (Guttmacher).
10
Women having their first abortion comprised about 59% of abortion patients in high-income countries (Guttmacher synthesis; as reported).
11
In low- and middle-income countries, first-time abortion patients were about 54% (Guttmacher).
12
Guttmacher reports that around 40% of women having abortions were married or in a union in many settings (summary).
13
Guttmacher reports that around 25% of women having abortions were in the workforce (varies by setting; summary).
14
Guttmacher reports that many women having abortions have low educational attainment (share in lowest education categories).
15
Guttmacher reports that contraceptive use prior to unintended pregnancy is common; in some studies, about 60% had used contraception (summary).
16
In a Guttmacher review, about 50% of women reported using contraception at the time they became pregnant (summary).
17
In global analyses, the median gestational age at abortion is often around 8–9 weeks in many settings (Guttmacher evidence synthesis).
18
In Guttmacher’s global report, about 44% of abortions occur at ≤8 weeks gestation (as modeled).
19
In Guttmacher’s global report, about 53% of abortions occur at ≤10 weeks gestation (as modeled).
20
In Guttmacher’s global report, about 7% of abortions occur at ≥13 weeks gestation (as modeled).
21
Globally in 2023, abortions are concentrated among women in their reproductive years with the highest abortion rates in ages 20–24 (as modeled).
22
In 2023 model, abortions among adolescents (15–19) were 8.6 million (as modeled).
23
In 2023 model, abortions among women 20–24 were 15.1 million (as modeled).
24
In 2023 model, abortions among women 25–29 were 14.8 million (as modeled).
25
In 2023 model, abortions among women 30–34 were 14.9 million (as modeled).
26
In 2023 model, abortions among women 35–39 were 12.9 million (as modeled).
27
In 2023 model, abortions among women 40–44 were 4.7 million (as modeled).
28
Guttmacher’s synthesis indicates that economic constraints are a common reported reason for seeking abortion (share varies by survey; overall cited as among top reasons).
29
Guttmacher’s global synthesis indicates that “cannot afford a child” is reported by many patients as a reason (as summarized).
30
Guttmacher’s global synthesis indicates that “not ready for another child” is frequently reported (as summarized).
Interpretation
Demographics (who Has Abortions) & Life Course Interpretation
The demographics of abortion in 2015 show that people in their 20s accounted for the majority, with 30% of abortions among women aged 20–24 and 22% among those aged 25–29, while adolescents made up 21% and the share falls to 14% for ages 30–34, highlighting a clear life-course pattern in who has abortions.
05 · Category
Methods, Effectiveness, And Clinical Management (safe Abortion)30 stats
01
WHO recommends manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) as a safe method for incomplete or induced abortion care where appropriate; method details are in guideline.
02
WHO recommends uterine aspiration methods in appropriate settings and emphasizes evidence-based regimens (WHO).
03
WHO recommends medication abortion with mifepristone followed by misoprostol for early first-trimester abortion (WHO).
04
WHO recommends use of misoprostol-only for settings where mifepristone is not available (WHO).
05
WHO guideline for medication abortion provides recommended dosing schedules (evidence-based), including misoprostol regimens and intervals (WHO).
06
WHO lists expected efficacy for recommended medication abortion regimens (high effectiveness; specific failure rates in evidence).
07
In WHO guideline evidence for mifepristone-misoprostol, ongoing pregnancy occurs in about 1%–2% of cases (as summarized).
08
WHO medication abortion guidance notes that complete abortion occurs in about 95%+ of cases in early gestation (as summarized).
09
A large trial reports complete abortion rates around 95% for mifepristone-misoprostol up to 63 days in WHO-referenced evidence.
10
In the WHO-referenced multicenter trial, ongoing pregnancy with mifepristone-misoprostol was 1.4% (trial evidence).
11
A randomized trial summarized in WHO evidence indicates that surgical abortion via aspiration has high complete abortion rates with low complication rates (trial).
12
WHO recommends that antibiotic prophylaxis is given to reduce infection risk (specific antibiotic regimens listed).
13
WHO Abortion care guideline states that misoprostol can be used for postabortion care in certain incomplete abortion management protocols (method).
14
WHO guidelines recommend uterotonics such as oxytocin in management of hemorrhage or active bleeding (clinical management), with protocols.
15
WHO recommends use of ultrasound when feasible to confirm gestational age and improve safety (WHO).
16
WHO states that ultrasound is not required for medication abortion in many cases when clinical history is reliable (WHO).
17
WHO recommends that pain management should be provided including NSAIDs and other analgesics (clinical).
18
WHO recommends antiemetic support as needed to improve comfort and adherence (clinical).
19
WHO guideline includes that “no routine pre-abortion blood tests” are required for uncomplicated medication abortion (policy).
20
WHO recommends that RhD status testing and immunoglobulin should be considered based on local policy and gestational age in cases of Rh-negative women (clinical).
21
WHO guideline recommends that follow-up after medication abortion can be symptom-based or telecontact when feasible (clinical management).
22
WHO self-care guideline states that follow-up for self-managed medication abortion can be done remotely using symptom and/or urine pregnancy tests when indicated (WHO).
23
WHO self-care guideline recommends that facilities provide adequate information on warning signs and when to seek care (WHO).
24
ACOG reports that medication abortion effectiveness is high; in clinical use, failure is generally low (ACOG practice bulletin).
25
WHO evidence for vacuum aspiration states high success rates for first-trimester uterine evacuation (WHO).
26
Manual vacuum aspiration completion rates are high with low complication rates when performed by trained providers (WHO).
27
WHO guideline notes that post-abortion care should include evaluation for incomplete abortion and infection; antibiotics and evacuation as needed (WHO).
28
WHO recommends uterine evacuation methods for incomplete abortion, including MVA where available (clinical).
29
WHO guideline states that in incomplete abortion, use of uterine evacuation or misoprostol can be appropriate depending on gestational age and clinical scenario (WHO).
30
WHO guideline includes that bleeding after abortion is expected and should decrease over time; criteria for seeking care are specified (clinical management).
Interpretation
Methods, Effectiveness, And Clinical Management (safe Abortion) Interpretation
Across WHO guidance on safe abortion methods, the consistent emphasis is on proven uterine aspiration and medication regimens where mifepristone plus misoprostol is standard and misoprostol only is a reliable alternative, with WHO also documenting high effectiveness and specific failure rates for the recommended protocols.
report visual · Breakdown
How common abortion is—and where it’s highest (2023)
In 2023, the global abortion rate and pregnancy share that ends in abortion are substantial, with the highest abortion rate observed in Africa and the highest abortion totals in Asia.
95%
In 2023, there were 73,713,000 induced abortions worldwide (95% uncertainty interval: 68,653,000 to 78,949,000).
5%
In 2015, an estimated 5% of women having abortions were aged 40–44 globally (Guttmacher).
source-verifiedguttmacher.org2023
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Gabrielle Fontaine. (2026, February 13). Global Abortion Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/global-abortion-statistics
MLA
Gabrielle Fontaine. "Global Abortion Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/global-abortion-statistics.
Chicago
Gabrielle Fontaine. 2026. "Global Abortion Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/global-abortion-statistics.
Sources & references
23 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+14 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)