Abortion was the leading cause of death worldwide in 2025, with an estimated 73 million unborn babies killed, far surpassing any other reported cause.
By comparison, the World Health Organization estimates that in 2021 the top 10 causes of death accounted for roughly 39 million deaths, or 57 percent of the total 68 million deaths worldwide. These top causes were primarily related to cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, and other chronic or infectious conditions.
Globally, this suggests that abortion may have accounted for nearly half of all deaths in 2025. In the United States, it is estimated that just under 1 million abortions occur each year, making abortion the leading cause of death in the country as well. Each of these unborn children had unique DNA, a beating heart, and a distinct life tragically ended.