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Related Sites Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Planned Parenthood Federation of America National Abortion Rights Action League |
Abortion at lowest level in 20 years
Posted
1-17-2000 Atlanta. Continuing a trend begun in 1990, the number of abortions in the United States declined in 1997, the latest year for which data is available. According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number fell to its lowest level since 1978, representing a 3 percent drop from 1996. The CDC report, released Jan. 7, also found that the national abortion rate of 20 per 1,000 women of reproductive age continues to be the lowest rate since 1975. The national abortion ratio (number of legal abortions per 1,000 live births) decreased from 314 in 1996 to 305 in 1997, also the lowest since 1975. According to the report, women who had abortions in 1997 were predominantly white, married, and older than 20. About 20 percent were 19 or younger. The report cites several factors that may have contributed to the decline. Among them are a decrease in unintended pregnancies, changes in contraceptive practices, reduced access to abortion services, and changes in attitudes about abortion. Many experts see the trend as good news. "We believe that increased awareness and use of contraceptive methods and the greater availability and range of contraceptives available have made a tremendous impact on these numbers," said Ann Marie Wallace, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "What we are seeing is a combination of things. Women are using more contraceptives, and there is evidence that younger women are abstaining from and delaying sexual activity." Some abortion rights advocates groups urge caution, however. "It's always good news when there is a decline," said William Lutz, press secretary for the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League. "It is our hope that it is due to increased use of contraception, family planning programs, and better sexuality education. There is a distinct possibility, however, that the drop is due to numerous restrictions that states have placed on access and that the violence and harassment at clinics have driven women and physicians away." The report presents national data on legal induced abortions compiled from all 50 states, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
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