Record high for over-40s conceptions

THE number of conceptions among women over 40 in England and Wales has reached a new record high, figures show.

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There were 36,085 conceptions in this age group in 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is the equivalent of 17.6 conceptions per 1,000 women, surpassing the previous record of 17.3 per 1,000 set in 2021.

The ONS said conception rates among the over-40s were on an upwards trend and have increased by almost a third since 2010, when the rate stood at 13.4 per 1,000.

Of the 36,085 conceptions in this age group in 2023, 22,365 led to maternities - which covers the births of both live-born and stillborn children - while 13,725 led to abortions.

The proportion of conceptions ending in abortion among over-40s has jumped over the past 10 years from 28.3% in 2013 to 38.0% in 2023.

In total there were 871,050 conceptions for women of all ages in England and Wales in 2023 - a rate of 72.7 per 1,000 - up from 834,260 the previous year and the third consecutive annual increase.