The number of abortions in Switzerland remained low until 2021 (11,049; previous year 11,143), despite ongoing population growth.
The rate of abortions in Switzerland is low by international standards. In 2021, the rate was 6.7 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44 residing in Switzerland. The rate among adolescents aged 15-19 residing in Switzerland is also very low: 3.7 per 1,000 women under age 20 had an abortion in 2021. The proportion of adolescents under 16 years of age is less than 1%.
The proportion of abortions performed with medication is steadily increasing: in 2016 it was 72%, in 2017 75%, in 2018 74%, in 2020 already 79% and in 2021 80%. Abortions continue to be performed early: 95% in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (calculated from the last period).
Development of abortions per 1000 women residing in Switzerland from 2007 to 2021