Abortion Rates Hit Lowest in 40 Years

Researchers say it's the result of a decline in pregnancy and birth rates.

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A recent survey reveals that abortion rates have reached their lowest since 1973 when abortion was first legalized nationwide. 

The study, conducted by the Guttmacher Institute, learned that abortions fell from 1.2 million in 2008 to 1.06 million in 2008—a 13 percent drop. Furthermore, the abortion rate dropped to 16.9 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44 in 2011; by comparison, the figure was 16.3 in 1973.

Rachel Jones, the study's lead author, said that there was no connection between the decline and the number of abortion providers. Instead, Jones argued that the reduction in abortion is the result of a national decline in both pregnancy and birth rates.

Politico notes that  Guttmacher’s numbers are highly sought after by people on both sides of the abortion debate because they are more up-to-date and, in some areas, more comprehensive than those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

[via Politico]

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