The increase in the immigrant population in Spain has resulted in more abortions being carried out in the country.

Half of the women who currently undergo the process are now of foreign origin, according to a new report presented by the Minister for Health, Elena Salgado.

The minister also noted that there has been a significant increase in the number of abortions in the under 25 age group.

She said that more has to be done in prevention, and that meant in the general sexual education of the young. The figures, for 2004, show that there were 84,985 abortions and more than 500,000 morning-after pills were issued.