Worldometer, a live world statistics website, showed that there were 44 million abortions between 1 January and 31 December 2022 in total, around the world, making abortion the leading cause of death for humans.
Deaths from cancer numbered 8 million, while communicable diseases are reported to have killed 13 million people. Half a million people died from the flu. The Worldometer website used data provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in making its projections.
Despite factoring in the fewer number of abortions because of the repeal of Roe v. Wade in the United States in June, last year, abortion was still the leading cause of death globally for the fourth year in a row.
Thousands of lives have been saved in the United States since June. It has been estimated that there were at least 60,000 fewer abortions in 2023 because of the US Supreme Court decision.
But as of 1 pm GMT on 5 January, abortion is estimated to have already killed 553,000 unborn babies in 2023 – you can view the latest number here.
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Despite several key pro-life victories in 2022, 44 million deaths due to abortion is a horrific death toll. It reveals the staggering contradiction at the heart of the world’s current situation, one claiming to value life while assenting to the killing of millions of innocent lives.
“As we begin 2023, a new year of fresh pro-life activity and initiative, we must take this number and reality into account, reminding us that we cannot afford to be complacent, though we should not despair.
“Ultimately, we are fighting to save lives, and even one life saved is a victory.”
