Rising Trends: More Older Women Opting for Abortions

Recent statistics reveal a notable shift in the demographics of women seeking abortions in Germany, with an increasing number of older women making this choice. According to data released by the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden, a total of 106,000 abortions were reported in the past year, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.2% from the previous year.

The data highlights a significant change over the past decade, particularly in the age distribution of women undergoing abortions. While the number of abortions among younger women has declined, older women are increasingly opting for the procedure. Specifically, the proportion of women aged 18 to 34 accounted for 70% of all abortions in 2024, while 20% were women aged 35 to 39, and 9% were 40 years or older. In stark contrast, only 3% of women seeking abortions were under the age of 18.

In terms of methods used, the majority of abortions--96%--were carried out under the so-called counseling regulation. Only 4% of the procedures were attributed to medical reasons or cases of sexual violence. The most common methods employed included suction procedures, which accounted for nearly half of the abortions, while 41% involved the use of the drug Mifegyne.

When examining trends over the last decade, the data reveals a marked decline in abortions among younger age groups. Specifically, there has been a 14% reduction in the 15 to 17 age group and an 8% decrease among those aged 20 to 24. Conversely, older age groups have seen a significant rise in abortion rates, with a 13% increase among women aged 30 to 34, a 31% increase among those aged 35 to 39, and a 23% rise among women aged 40 to 44.

Demographic factors are believed to be influencing these trends, with a growing proportion of older women compared to younger women. However, the statistical analysis does not provide insights into the personal reasons behind individual decisions to terminate pregnancies. The data does not include specific motivations for abortions conducted under the counseling regulation, leaving a gap in understanding the underlying factors at play.