Most abortions in high-income countries happen before 13 weeks

Nine of ten abortions in high-income countries, including the U.S., are performed before 13 weeks of pregnancy, according to a new study. Looking at 24 high-income countries — countries classified by the World Bank as having a gross national income of around $12,000 per capita or more — researchers found some interesting trends about abortion:

• By length of pregnancy: In 10 countries, 95% of abortions occurred before 13 weeks, with Germany having the most such abortions. Canada had the lowest proportion of abortions done before nine weeks, at 39%.
• Type of abortion: Half of all abortions were performed using medications, with the most such abortions in Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Italy had the highest percentage of surgical abortions, which accounted for 81% of all abortions in the country.
• Waiting periods: 14 of the countries surveyed had no mandatory waiting period between first speaking with a provider and the abortion procedure, while 10 countries had waiting periods ranging from 48 hours in Singapore to 7 days in France and Italy.