Latvia sees slight drop in abortions, most common among women in their thirties, not teenagers
Latvia recorded 2,421 induced abortions last year, a small decrease from the previous year, with the highest numbers among women aged 30-39 rather than teenagers. Meanwhile, the country's birth rate continued to decline.
According to data compiled by the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 2,421 induced abortions were performed on women in Latvia last year. This is 13 fewer than the previous year, suggesting the overall trend remained largely stable.
Which age group is most affected
Contrary to a common assumption that abortions are most frequent among teenagers, the statistics tell a different story. The highest number of abortions — 562 — was recorded among women aged 30 to 34. Close behind were women aged 35 to 39, with 560 procedures performed. The third-largest group was women aged 25 to 29, accounting for 460 cases.
No cases among the youngest age group
One notable finding is that, unlike in each of the previous five years, no abortions were recorded last year among girls aged 14 or younger.
Birth rate continues to fall
The data also show that 11,931 children were born in Latvia last year. That is 956 fewer, or 7.4% less, than in 2024, pointing to a continuing decline in the country's birth rate.
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