Wisconsin Abortions Decrease by 576 Abortions or 7.4% of All Abortions

Wisconsin Right to Life applauds another decrease in Wisconsin Abortions. Numbers released today by the Department of Health Services (DHS) show a 7.4% reduction in 2011 compared to 2010. We are elated to see a continuation of reduced abortions in our state with the stunning reality that the lives of hundreds of babies are saved and their mothers protected from a lifetime of emotional pain.

The DHS report indicates that 7,249 abortions were performed in 2011 compared to 7,825 in 2010, a decrease of 576 abortions. In addition, the abortion ratio, the number of abortions per 100 live births, fell from 11 to 10. 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 7 to 6. The national abortion rate is 19.5.

Wisconsin abortions have decreased 58% overall since 1987, the year that required reporting of Wisconsin abortions began.

Once again, Wisconsin is leading the way in abortion reduction, a stated goal of Wisconsin Right to Life over the past twenty years. We continue to believe that reduced abortions result from young people rejecting 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; public policy which favors life; 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