Abortion Rates Decline in the U.S. - In Line With Drop in Pregnancies

Abortion rates in the U.S. have fallen to the lowest since 1973, matching an overall decline in pregnancy and birthrates, according to the recent study by a non-profit sexual health organization.

A decline of 13 percent was recorded in the last three years with 16.9 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age( between 17 and 44) during the year 2011.  The reports from the Guttamacher Institute say that the rate was at its highest with 29.3 abortions per 1,000 women in the year 1981. The lowest abortion rates were seen during the year 1973 with 16.3 abortions 1,000 women. The researchers also found a decline in the total number of abortion clinics by 1 percent and number of providers drop by 4 percent between 2008 and 2011. They are not sure if this decline is linked to the new legal restrictions and anti-abortion laws. The lead author of this study, Rachel Jones, said the decline was mainly due to usage of contraceptives, fall in the birth rate and overall pregnancy.

"The decline in abortions coincided with a steep national drop in overall pregnancy and birth rates. Contraceptive use improved during this period, as more women and couples were using highly effective, long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, such as the IUD. Moreover, the recent recession led many women or couples to avoid or delay pregnancy and child bearing," said Jones.

According to the reports, more than half of pregnancies in the United States are unintended and nearly 40 percent of these pregnancies end in abortions every year. Three-fourth of these women choose abortion due to their inability to  raise a child , social pressures, lack of monetary support , marital problems, etc. The prevalence of medication abortions has increased from 2008.

"Clearly, the availability of medication abortion does not lead women to have more abortions," said Jones. "However, it has likely helped women obtain abortion care earlier in pregnancy, as evidenced by a shift toward very early abortions."

The state laws limit the medication abortions, which accounted for 23 percent of abortions in 2011.