Study: Abortion rate at lowest point since 1973

[alp227]

Source: Washington Post

The abortion rate in the United States dropped to its lowest point since the Supreme Court legalized the procedure in all 50 states, according to a study suggesting that new, long-acting contraceptive methods are having a significant impact in reducing unwanted pregnancies.

There were fewer than 17 abortions for every 1,000 women in 2011, the latest year for which figures were available, according a paper published Monday from the Guttmacher Institute, a pro-abortion-rights think tank. That is down 13 percent from 2008 and a little higher than the rate in 1973, when the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

The study did not examine the reasons for the drop. But the authors suggested that one factor was greater reliance on new kinds of birth control, including intra-uterine devices such as Mirena, which can last for years and are not susceptible to user error like daily pills or condoms.

They also noted the economy as a contributing factor, because people tend to adhere more strictly to their birth control during tough economic times. But they did not credit the recent wave of state laws restricting access to abortion, because most of those took effect in 2011 or later.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/study-abortion-rate-at-lowest-point-since-1973/2014/02/02/8dea007c-8a9b-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_story.html

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http://www.guttmacher.org/

And seriously, "pro-abortion"? Why is the Post using right wing terminology here? This isn't the Washington Times fergawdsake!

[shenmue]

1. Now watch the right wing completely ignore this

And scream like it's getting worse.

[joanbarnes]

2. Could legal abortion reduce the 'need' for abortion?

[kestrel91316]

5. No. Availability of effective contraception reduces the need for abortion.

And the RW is working very hard to end contraception access along with abortion access. They want women who enjoy sex to be punished with unwanted motherhood.

[LynneSin]

3. Easiest way to not get an abortion - don't get pregnant

And access to affordable birth control is a major giant step in that direction (and step #2 is the education to know how to properly use it!)

[mathematic]

4. pro-"abortion rights", not pro-abortion

Pro-abortion-rights is the best and most neutral way to describe people that favor unencumbered access to abortion.

Also, there's nothing inherently rw about "pro-abortion". I'm pro-abortion. I'm sure many other people on DU are as well. Being pro-abortion-rights but not being pro-abortion is the common position among Catholic Dems, and other religious Dems. They're not particularly in favor of abortion but they believe it's a private decision, etc etc.

[onehandle]

6. As it should be. Contraception and sex education is the 'cure' for most abortions. nt

[jsr]

7. Recommend

[Stargleamer]

8. I hope that this doesn't mean. . .

that the diminishing availability of abortion services in this country is forcing those who would otherwise get an abortion to carry an unwanted child to term. I hope this isn't playing any role.

[pocoloco]

9. Tell me again what the population of the world is?

....and why we shouldn't worry.