Victorian Stats now available

The latest report from the Victorian Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity is finally out, reflecting data that is already 3-4 years old.

We have updated our table to provide a snapshot of yearly comparisons of late term abortion numbers for your easy reference.

While there has been much controversy about the recent Queensland report which revealed that 27 babies had been born alive following late terminations, the Victorian report reveals even greater tragic numbers. 

In 2012 and 2013, 53 and 43 babies respectively were born alive as a result of late terminations and all died. 

2012

There were a total of 330 post 20wk terminations, 132 of which were for psychosocial indications and 198 for suspected or confirmed congenital abnormality with 53 of the latter  born alive and later dying.

Of the terminations for psychosocial indications, 53 were undertaken between 23-27 weeks of pregnancy with none recorded later than this, although almost 50% of the late terminations for congenital abnormality were after 28 weeks.

2013

There were a total of 358 post 20wk terminations, 179 of which were for psychosocial indications and 179 for suspected or confirmed congenital abnormality with 43 of the latter born alive and later dying.

Of the terminations for psychosocial indications, 49 were undertaken between 23-27 weeks of pregnancy with none recorded later than this, with 45% of the late terminations for congenital abnormality being after 28 weeks.

The range of congenital abnormalities across both years include those which may be life limiting or life threatening as well as those which may have required simple reconstructive surgery or perhaps some extra support during life. 

These included abnormalities listed as:

• cardiovascular system
• urinary tract system
• gastrointestinal system
• metabolic disorders
• tumours
• musculoskeletal abnormalities
• diaphragmatic hernias
• blood disorders

Around 50% of all Victorian late terminations for psychosocial indications are performed on women who reside in states other than Victoria.