Kerala Sees 76% Rise in Abortions Over Nine Years, Private Hospitals Lead

Kerala has witnessed a significant surge of over 76% in the number of abortions performed over the past nine years. Data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) reveals that 30,037 abortions were reported in the state in 2023-24, compared to 17,025 in 2014-15.

This marks a 76.43% increase in abortions over the nine-year period. Of the total, 21,282 abortions were performed in private hospitals, while 8,755 took place in government hospitals.

The data includes both spontaneous (miscarriages) and induced abortions. In 2023-24, 20,179 induced abortions were performed in the state, alongside 9,858 spontaneous abortions during the same period. In 2014-15, the numbers for abortions in public and private hospitals were almost equal, with 8,324 and 8,701 cases reported respectively. However, since 2015-2016, private hospitals have recorded a significantly higher number of cases. From 2015-16 to 2024-25, a total of 1,97,782 abortion cases were reported in Kerala. Of these, only 67,004 cases occurred in government hospitals, while 1,30,778 cases were reported in private hospitals during this period.

The report indicates a gradual increase in induced abortions. Health experts have expressed concern over the rising reliance on private hospitals for abortions, emphasizing the need to strengthen the public health sector.