The CDC report, released Jan. 7, also found that the national abortion rate of 20 per 1,000 women of reproductive age continues to be the lowest rate since 1975. According to the report, women who had abortions in 1997 were predominantly white, married, and older than 20. About 20 percent were 19 or younger. The report cites several factors that may have contributed to the decline. Among them are a decrease in unintended pregnancies, changes in contraceptive practices, reduced access to abortion services, and changes in attitudes about abortion.
Many experts see the trend as good news.
What we are seeing is a combination of things. Women are using more contraceptives, and there is evidence that younger women are abstaining from and delaying sexual activity. Some abortion rights advocates groups urge caution, however. It is our hope that it is due to increased use of contraception, family planning programs, and better sexuality education. There is a distinct possibility, however, that the drop is due to numerous restrictions that states have placed on access and that the violence and harassment at clinics have driven women and physicians away.