Recent survey revealed that number of abortions in Scotland has increased. Data revealed that there were 13,817 abortions in 2008.

The NHS figures revealed that nearly 3,500 abortions were carried out on teenagers and 343 were performed on girls aged under 16. 4,278 abortions were performed on women aged 20 to 24 and 462 on women aged
40 and over.

Data analysis revealed that overall abortion rate for 2008 in Scotland was 13.1 for every 1,000 women aged between 15 and 44. The highest rate of abortion was among women aged 20 and 24. Area-wise highest number of abortions was in Tayside and lowest in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Scottish Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "It is disappointing that there has been a rise in the number of abortions carried out in Scotland."

"Education has a key role to play, which is why we are working with parents, schools and NHS Health Scotland to provide additional support and information around relationships and sexual health."

"As part of this, we're developing a marketing campaign, supported by a national website, for the adult population which will focus on encouraging people to talk to their partner about their sexual health."