Abortion: Key Facts

This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.

Evidence shows that restricting access to abortions does not reduce the number of abortions ; however, it does affect whether the abortions that women and girls attain are safe and dignified. The proportion of unsafe abortions are significantly higher in countries with highly restrictive abortion laws than in countries with less restrictive laws.

SOURCE: WHO • LAST UPDATED: May 17, 2024