Wisconsin Abortions Drop 7.4 Percent, 576 Babies Saved

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jul 6, 2012   |   2:05PM   |   Madison, WI

“Numbers released today by the Department of Health Services show a 7.4% reduction in Wisconsin abortions in 2011 compared to 2010.” That’s the good news presented today from Wisconsin Right to Life executive director Barb Lyons.

“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,” she added.

The Wisconsin health department report released today indicates 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. To Lyons, that shows pro-life laws her organization has pressed for since then are having a positive effect on reducing abortions by helping women and unborn children.

“Once again, Wisconsin is leading the way in abortion reduction, a stated goal of Wisconsin Right to Life over the past twenty years,” continued Lyons.  “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.”

The news of the decline in the number of abortions in Wisconsin comes after a report in neighboring Minnesota showing the number of Minnesota abortions has dropped to historic low levels and the figure is now at its lowest point since 1975.

Abortion numbers dropped for the fifth straight year in Minnesota, according to the latest annual report issued today by the Minnesota Department of Health. The decrease of 3.7 percent follows a trend of fewer abortions statewide since the Positive Alternatives program began in July 2006, funding efforts to help pregnant women who may consider abortion.