In the period January to September 1999, which are the most recent figures available, 40,813 births were registered. Of these, 12,651, or 31%, were to unmarried mothers. Statistics for the full year for 1999 will be published by the CSO in May. The following table sets out the corresponding figures for the years 1995 to 1998, inclusive.
Births within and outside marriage, 1995-99.
Year
|
Total
|
Married
|
Unmarried
|
%Unmarried
|
1995
|
48,787
|
37,925
|
10,862
|
22.3%
|
1996
|
50,655
|
37,858
|
12,797
|
25.3%
|
1997
|
52,311
|
38,419
|
13,892
|
26.6%
|
1998
|
53,551
|
38,418
|
15,133
|
28.3%
|
1999(Jan-Sept)
|
40,813
|
28,162
|
12,651
|
31.0%
|
Note: The data for 1995 and 1996 relate to births which took place in those years. For later years, the table shows births by period of registration.