The abortion rate decreased — from 2008 to 2011 — and reached its lowest rate since the Roe v. Wadedecision in 1973.
The Guttmacher Institute, the research arm of the abortion industry, released the report Monday. Pro-lifers note that its finding coincides with other data reflecting a decrease in abortion over the last couple of years. They also note, though, the study’s lack of attribution to the significant increase in pro-life laws.
“The authors of the Guttmacher report downplay the more than 40 new state laws passed between 2008-2010 as having an impact on the abortion drop,” said Carrie Gordon Earll, senior director for public policy at Focus on the Family. “Yet, they also admit their survey of the abortion industry wasn’t designed to measure the impact of new laws.”
The institute released a report last month showing that 70 pro-life laws were enacted in 22 states last year. This makes 2013 second only to 2011 in the number of such laws passed.
Monday’s report shows that the abortion rate dropped significantly in 2011. That year, there were an estimated 1.1 abortions in the U.S., representing an abortion rate of 16.9 per 1,000 women ages 15-44. This shows a drop of 13 percent since 2008.
Guttmacher concluded that abortion restrictions played no role in this decline:
The national abortion rate has resumed its decline, and no evidence was found that the overall drop in abortion incidence was related to the decrease in providers or to restrictions implemented between 2008 and 2011.
The institute says factors could include changes in sexual activity, increased use of contraceptives and the economy.
Earll underscored the power of pro-life legislation.
“Each time state pro-life bills are considered and passed, there’s a considerable amount of public dialogue on the topic — all of which impact public perception of abortion and raise questions about legality, safety and the value of human life,” she explained. “The bottom line is that the pro-life message continues to resonate with Americans and this decrease in the number of abortions.”
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser agrees.
“The child in the womb is increasingly being seen for what she is: a second victim of the violence of abortion,” she said. “Guttmacher’s new report is another indication that our nation is indeed growing weary of the destruction wrought by legalized abortion on demand.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read the Guttmacher report: “Abortion Incidence and Service Availability In the United States, 2011.”
Read “Report: More Pro-Life Laws Enacted in 2011-13 than in Previous Decade.”
Read “Advocates March for ‘Most Basic Right to Life.”
Source: CitizenLink by Bethany Monk
