Nordic statistics on induced abortions 2007

Since the 1970s, attitudes towards abortion have been fairly liberal in the Nordic countries. The current legislation dates from 1970 and 1985 (Finland), 1973 (Denmark), 1975 (Iceland and Sweden, although in Sweden the abortion policy was already liberal in the early 1970s) and 1978 (Norway). However, the legislation varies from one country to another, which may also have an effect on the relative number of induced abortions. In Denmark, Norway and Sweden, an induced abortion can be carried out upon the request of the pregnant woman.

In Denmark and Norway, an induced abortion can be performed up to the 12th week of gestation and in Sweden up to the 18th week. An induced abortion can also be carried out at a later date, but this requires the permission of a national or regional authority. In Iceland and Finland, women must always apply for permission, which can be granted on indication defined under legislation: before the 12th week of gestation, such permission can usually be granted by one or two physicians, whereas after the 12th week, permission by a national authority is required.

Age distribution is a feature common to the abortion situation in all Nordic countries. Proportionally, the number of induced abortions is highest in the 20-24 age group, and second highest either in the 25-29 age group (Sweden, Norway and Denmark) or in the 15-19 age group (Finland and Iceland). Abortion rates among female adolescents in the Nordic countries have remained quite stable, although there have been some differences in trends: Finland is the only Nordic country where abortions among the under-20s have decreased in the 2000s. In Sweden and Iceland, the abortion rates in the under-20 age group have remained at the same level, whereas Denmark and Norway have reported slightly increasing trends. (Table 4a-f.)

The proportion of induced abortions carried out before the 9th week of pregnancy has increased. The proportion of early abortions is highest in Finland (75.9%), Sweden (74.5%) and Norway (72.4%). The number of abortions performed after the 12th week of gestation has remained relatively stable in all Nordic countries. (Table 5.)

Drug-induced (pharmaceutical) abortions can now be performed in all Nordic countries after Iceland adopted the method in 2006. The number of drug-induced abortions has increased each year. In 2007, 63.8 per cent of abortions in Finland, 60.9 per cent in Sweden, 38.3 per cent in Norway (data from 2006) and 37.7 per cent in Denmark (2006) were drug-induced abortions. (Table 6.)

The number of live births has remained fairly stable in the Nordic countries, with a slight upward turn in recent years. In 2007, live births totalled more than 293 000 in the Nordic countries. Sweden accounted for the highest (36.6%) and Iceland for the lowest number of births (1.6%). The General Fertility Rate (the number of live births per 1000 women aged 15-49) is highest in Iceland (59.9), while the other Nordic countries are close to the Nordic average (51.0). The Total Fertility Rate (the number of live births by one woman during her reproductive period) is highest in Iceland (2.1). The other Nordic countries' rates vary between 1.8 and 1.9. (Tables 7, 8 and 9.)

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