AZE.US
Azerbaijan recorded 95,875 births and 95,117 abortions in one year, a gap of fewer than 1,000 cases that has put one of the country’s most sensitive social statistics back in the spotlight.
The figures point to a problem that goes beyond medicine. They touch on demographics, family planning, economic pressure, reproductive health education and the unresolved issue of selective abortions.
The number of registered abortions has risen sharply in recent years. Azerbaijan recorded 46,877 abortions in 2021, 57,999 in 2022, 73,816 in 2023 and 78,245 in 2024. The latest figures show that the upward trend has continued.
According to 2025 data, most women who had abortions were between the ages of 25 and 34. The statistics also included 66 teenagers aged 15 to 17.
Gynecologist Shalala Mammadova said the main reasons include unplanned pregnancies, financial hardship, weak family planning culture and limited awareness of reproductive health. She also pointed to relationship problems and lack of partner support as contributing factors.
Medical reasons also account for some abortions, including serious fetal abnormalities or risks to the life of the mother. Specialists say selective abortions remain a concern in Azerbaijan as well.
Under Azerbaijani law, abortion at a woman’s request is allowed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. From 12 to 22 weeks, the procedure is permitted only on specific medical or social grounds. After 22 weeks, it is allowed only if the mother’s life is at risk or if serious fetal abnormalities are detected.
Lawyers warn that illegal abortions can lead to criminal liability. Under Article 141 of the Criminal Code, a person with medical training who performs an abortion outside a medical institution may face a fine of 500 to 1,000 manats, or corrective labor for up to six months. A person without medical training who performs an abortion may face a fine of 1,000 to 1,500 manats, or corrective labor for up to one year.
If an illegal procedure causes serious harm to a woman’s health, the punishment may include up to one year of imprisonment.
Doctors also warn of serious medical risks from uncontrolled or illegal procedures, including bleeding, infection, uterine damage, Asherman syndrome, infertility, complications in future pregnancies and psychological trauma.
The numbers are stark. When the number of abortions nearly equals the number of births, the issue is no longer only a private medical matter. It becomes a question of public health, education, social support and long-term demographic policy.
AZE.US