Michigan Abortions Increase in 2008 in Bad Economy, Had Historic Low in 2007
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 7, 2009
Lansing, MI (LifeNews.com) — The number of abortions in Michigan rose in 2008 after posting historic lows in 2007, and a statewide pro-life group is disappointed by the news. According to statistics from the Michigan Department of Community Health released this week, the number of abortions increased 5.2 percent in 2008.
For all Michigan residents, there was a net increase of 1,158 abortions or 4.8 percent and a rise in abortions done on women residing out of state pushed the numbers higher.
The report indicates 25,970 abortions were done in 2008 compared with 24,683 in 2007.
The 2007 had been heralded by pro-life advocates because it represented the lowest number of reported abortions in Michigan since reporting began in 1979.
Despite the rise in abortions in 2008, the educational and legislative work of Right to Life groups, combined with the pregnancy help centers and abstinence organizations, abortions have dropped 47.4 percent since 1987.
Right to Life of Michigan officials told LifeNews.com today that, while the information for last year is disappointing because of the increase in abortions, the news is not surprising.
Michigan has been hit hard economically and that has resulted in an increase in abortions as women don’t feel economically able to raise a child.
“We are grieved by the slight increase in Michigan abortions," Right to Life of Michigan president Barbara Listing told LifeNews.com. "Each and every abortion destroys an innocent, irreplaceable human life."
"The fact that more women resorted to abortion during a time of uncertainty shows the expanding need to reach out to mothers and families, especially during extremely tough economical times. Abortion represents failure; failure on the part of society for not meeting the needs of mothers," she said.
Of particular concern in the Michigan abortion data set is the figure showing abortions rose 13.5 percent among African-American women, accounting for more than the net increase for the entire state.
Abortions done on "multiracial" women went up by 40, while abortions for all the other race groups — including white women, Asians, Native American and women of other races — decreased.
Black women accounted for 45.4 percent of all abortions in the state even though they represent just 16.5 percent of the female population.
Listing said Right to Life of Michigan has worked diligently through education and legislation to decrease Michigan’s abortions and help mothers in need.
“We will continue to reach out to women so that they know abortion is not their only option," she said. "There are far too many women who enter an abortion clinic thinking this is the only choice."
"Having only one choice isn’t a choice at all. Thankfully, our toll-free number, 1-800-57 WOMAN, and our web site, www.rtl.org, connect women with real and life-affirming options for themselves and their children," she concluded.
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