Number of abortions on rise in Finland: THL

The number of induced abortions increased in Finland by almost 4 per cent in 2025 and the number has been rising since 2022, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Monday.

In 2025, about 9,100 induced abortions were performed, corresponding to 7.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15–49 years).

“The increase in the number of abortions over several consecutive years is a worrying sign. During the 2010s, the number of abortions in Finland decreased for a long time. Although the increase is still moderate, the situation has clearly changed,” said Anna Heino, Leading Specialist of THL.

“Preventing induced abortions requires continuous measures from health care services and various actors in the wellbeing services counties. Active action is needed to turn the trend downward again,” Heino added.

There are many reasons behind the increase in abortions, and the exact causes of the recent rise are not known. However, the trend can be influenced.

“The number of abortions is affected, among other things, by the availability and cost of contraception, the functioning of the service system, and individuals’ life situations,” Heino said.

“There are several ways to reduce the number of abortions, such as providing long-acting contraception, offering contraceptives free of charge, and ensuring rapid access to contraceptive services. Sexual education, as well as the general social climate and public discussion, also play a role,” the specialist said.

The decline in the total number of abortions during the 2000s was mainly due to a decrease among those under 20 years of age. In recent years, the number of abortions among young people has levelled off, and the decline has not continued.

However, fewer abortions are still performed among under 20-year-olds than among women of reproductive age on average.

In 2025, the highest abortion rates were recorded among women aged 20–24 (12.7 per 1,000 women of the same age) and 25–29 (12.2 per 1,000 women of the same age).

“Traditionally, more abortions have been performed among 20–29-year-olds than in other age groups. The number also decreased in these age groups during the 2010s. Now the numbers have started to rise again among 20–29-year-olds, even though the levels are still clearly lower than in the early 2000s,” Heino said.

More than one third (36%) of induced abortions were performed on individuals who had previously had at least one abortion. Among those who had an abortion in 2025, nearly 10 per cent had ended a previous pregnancy by abortion within the past two years.

“The share of individuals whose previous pregnancy ended in abortion in the same or previous year has clearly increased in recent years, which is concerning. These individuals have recently been in contact with health care services, yet for some reason effective contraception has not been established,” Heino said.

Well-functioning contraceptive services within health care are crucial for reducing the number of abortions.

“Providing free long-acting contraceptive methods is a proven effective way to reduce abortions, and wellbeing services counties should actively develop their provision,” Heino said.

“Contraception should be initiated without delay after an induced abortion. Health care services should therefore pay particular attention to contraceptive services if the aim is to reduce the number of abortions,” said the specialist.