ABORTION rates in Wiltshire have fallen, defying the national trend which showed a small increase last year.

There were 1,011 terminations carried out in the area in 2017, at a rate of 13.3 for every 1,000 women aged 15 to 44, compared to 13.6 in 2016.

The rate for the whole of England is 16.5, but ranges from 9.6 per 1,000 women in York to nearly three times that rate in Barking and Dagenham.

In Wiltshire, the highest rate was among women aged 20 to 24 and the lowest was for women aged under 18.

The figures show that 36 per cent of the cases were classed as repeat procedures for a woman who had a previous abortion.

One of the most significant changes at national level in recent years has been a declining rate of abortion in younger women and a rising rate for women in their early 30s.

This is the case in Wiltshire, where in 2012 the rate for women aged 30-34 was 10.9 per 1,000 and five years later it was 13.7.

Dr Kate Guthrie of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “It is very encouraging to see a continuing decrease in the abortion rate for young women under the age of 25, and in particular for teenage girls.

“The reason for choosing abortion may be different in different pregnancies. Women have to make hard choices within their circumstances at the time.

“Sustained reduction in the public health budgets has led to widespread sexual health service cut backs.

“It is absolutely crucial for women to have access to effective contraception and sexual health services. This will enable them to take control of their health and fertility by preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.”

In 2017, 189,859 women living in England and Wales had an abortion plus 4,809 women who were non-residents.