VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Abortion: Ethnic Groups

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 11 November 2025UIN 84395

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on abortion rates for (a) male and (b) female babies after 20 weeks by ethnicity.

Answered by Karin Smyth

In accordance with the Abortion Act 1967, registered medical practitioners must notify the Chief Medical Officer of abortions within 14 days. The Department collects information on abortions via the HSA4 abortion notification form. The form does not capture information on abortion rates by sex of the foetus, and so the Department does not hold this information.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim