Dundee once again has the unwanted tag of having the highest rate of abortions in Scotland.
Figures released by the Scottish Government show the Dundee City Council area has topped the list for the number of terminations of unwanted pregnancies.
Midlothian had held the highest rate since 2013.
The statistics are calculated per 1000 woman aged between 15 and 44.
Dundee City has a figure of 16.7 abortions per 1000 women, an increase from 2014’s figure of 16.2.
Midlothian is now the next closest council area, with a figure of 15.2.
According to the NHS, the figures are consistent with the belief that areas of high deprivation tend to score more highly than more affluent regions.
The NHS Tayside zone also holds the same record.
NHS Tayside lead clinician for sexual health Dr Sarah Allstaff said: “The contributing factors for abortion are complex however it is well established that abortion is more common in the most deprived populations and, as Dundee has some of the most deprived populations in Scotland, we can expect higher rates of abortion than in other areas.
“Reducing health inequalities and ensuring access to appropriate care for those at highest risk is a priority for NHS Tayside.”
The Glasgow City council area had 1802 registered terminations, making it the region with the highest number in Scotland.
John Deighan, CEO of pro-life support group, The Society of the Protection of Unborn Children Scotland, said: “Perhaps the question as to why rates remain historically high in Tayside is one best addressed by the Scottish Government and social scientists who have considered this matter over the years as has been well documented.
“Abortion rates are stubbornly high and this has largely been tackled by pushing more sexual health services.
“Evidence for sexual health programmes around the world shows that they make no effect on abortion rates. People’s attitudes to abortion do make a considerable difference.
“It has been demonstrated that when career and educational aspirations are raised it leads people to make choices that avoid unwanted pregnancy.
“In addition, there is clear evidence to show that good education and employment opportunities are therefore pivotal to bringing down abortion rates.
“Furthermore, research has indicated that a stable family life plays a crucial role firstly in that it provides the most advantageous start for young people but it also provides the network of support for expectant mothers.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “We recognise that there has been a very small increase in abortion rates in Scotland over the past year, in line with England and Wales.”