Wisconsin Once Again Leads Nation in Abortion Decline

It is the best news because it is the reason why Wisconsin Right to Life exists. Abortions are down again in 2008, the fifth straight year of decline! Although the percent drop was less than 1% in 2008, any drop is significant following the 14% decrease in 2007. That huge drop was fueled (or so we thought) by the closing of two Planned Parenthood clinics in Appleton and Milwaukee for seven months in 2007. Both clinics reopened at the end of 2007 and operated throughout 2008.

The 2008 report issued by the Department of Health Services documents 8,267 abortions in 2007 followed by 8,229 abortions in 2008. The abortion ratio, the number of abortions per 100 live births, remained at 11. The abortion ratio is a key indicator because it reveals how many pregnant women actually have their babies or abort. Wisconsin’s abortion ratio of 11 is well under the national abortion ratio which is 24 abortions per 100 live births.

We believe the millenials, young people ages 17-29, are fueling the decline. These young people are far more pro-life than their predecessors and are now at the age when most abortions are performed (ages 18-34). They are establishing their values by having their babies. We can expect to see further abortion declines in the years to come.

We also believe that the television ad aired for the past two years by the Veritas Society, the media arm of Wisconsin Right to Life, has also contributed to the decline. The ad features interuterine photography of the baby in the womb. Millions across Wisconsin have viewed this ad specifically targeted to women 18-34. Education works. It changes hearts and minds. It reduces abortions. Life is good for the babies saved and their mothers and fathers.

View the full report here.

Barbara Lyons