More than 35,000 were performed in Sweden in 2024. The figure has been relatively constant since the mid-1980s but there has been a change from younger women up to those in their early 30s, according to new figures from the National Board of Health.
Almost 97 per cent of all abortions were performed using medical methods and more than three out of four abortions were completed at home. This means that a hormone-blocking medication is taken at a clinic or hospital. After a few days, a medication that induces contractions is taken, which can be taken at home.
Most, nearly 65 per cent, were performed before week 7 of pregnancy.
"With the help of medical development and changed healthcare routines, women can increasingly control where and when the procedure takes place. Home abortion has thus gone from exception to norm," says Mikael Ohlin, statistician at the National Board of Health.
Surgical abortion takes place and can be used up to around week 13.
Medical abortion with medication is performed in two steps. First, a hormone-blocking medication at a clinic or hospital. After 1-3 days, a medication that induces contractions is taken, which can be taken at home.
Surgical abortion takes place at a clinic by emptying the uterus with vacuum aspiration, after pre-treatment. It can be used up to week 12-13, before week 7 the risk of incomplete abortion increases.
Source: National Board of Health
