The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) publishes annual statistics on abortion, including the rate of complications, based on information that abortion providers are required to report through the abortion notification system. However, there are limitations with this data. In November 2023, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published analysis comparing the abortion complication rate indicated by the abortion notification system data with that indicated by hospital episode statistics, a separate data source. The Conservative government said this was a one-off analysis. Lord Moylan has said that the purpose of the bill is to require a similar report to be published annually.


Related posts

  • Acute, primary and community healthcare

    There have been big differences in expenditure across different forms of healthcare for a number of years. In 2024/25, spending on acute care was £74.7bn, compared to £14.5bn on primary care and £13.8bn on community services. Both the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and the subsequent 10 year health plan for England contained an emphasis on shifting towards more care being delivered in local communities rather than in acute settings, dubbed a ‘neighbourhood health service’.

    Acute, primary and community healthcare
  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): An overview

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): An overview
  • Welfare reforms and youth unemployment

    Concerns have been raised about levels of welfare spending in the UK and increasing numbers of young people not in education, employment or training. This briefing sets out statistics, government policy and commentary on welfare and youth employment. This includes the government’s youth guarantee, its ‘Get Britain working’ policies and the interim report by Alan Milburn on young people and work.

    Welfare reforms and youth unemployment