Wisconsin Right to Life Hails 2010 Abortion Decrease

Numbers released today by the Department of Health Services show an 8.4% reduction in Wisconsin abortions in 2010 compared to 2009. We are elated to see a continuation of reduced abortions in our state with the bottom line being the lives of babies saved and number of mothers protected from a lifetime of emotional pain.

The DHS report indicates that 7,825 abortions were performed in 2010 compared to 8,542 in 2009, a decrease of 717 aboritons. In addition, the abortion ratio, the number of abortions per 100 live births, fell from 12 to 11. This compares to a national abortion ratio of 24 abortions for 100 live births. The Wisconsin abortion rate, the number of abortions per 1,000 women of childbearing age, fell from 8 to 7. The national abortion rate is 19.5.

Once again, Wisconsin is leading the way in abortion reduction, a stated goal of Wisconsin Right to Life over the past fifteen years. We continue to believe that reduced abortions result from young people turning away from abortion as a solution to social problems; Wisconsin Right to Life’s ongoing and comprehensive commitment to educating the public through television advertising and the Internet; and direct help to pregnant women through Pregnancy Help Centers. It is thrilling to know that more Wisconsin women are choosing life for their babies and experiencing emotional health for themselves.

Barbara Lyons