Minnesota Abortions Drop for Second Straight Year, Lowest Total Since 1975

From http://lifenews.com/state4270.html

Minnesota Abortions Drop for Second Straight Year, Lowest Total Since 1975

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
July 1, 2009

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St. Paul, MN (LifeNews.com) -- The number of abortions in Minnesota fell for the second straight year in 2008 and a leading pro-life organization credits a program helping provide resources and support for pregnant women. The Minnesota health department reports 12,948 abortions in 2008, down 895 from the 2007 level.
The report indicates abortions declined among nearly all ages of women and girls, except those 40 and older where it increased slightly.
Most abortions were done on women who were not married at the time and one in seven were done on married women.
Scott Fischbach, the director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), talked with LifeNews.com about the decline.
He said abortion numbers fell for the second straight year following the launch of the Positive Alternatives grant program and he credits the grant program for reducing abortions since its inception.

“This report demonstrates that Positive Alternative is working for women and their unborn babies,” he said.
“Along with the recent Gallup poll showing the majority of Americans now self-identify as pro-life, it is more evidence that women and society in general are turning away from abortion and embracing the life-affirming resources available for both mother and child," Fischbach added.
The annual report shows 12,948 abortions were performed in the state in 2008, compared to 13,843 the previous year. The 2008 total is the lowest number on record since 1975; abortions jumped by five percent in 2006 after four years of gradual declines.
Positive Alternatives was passed by the Legislature in 2005 to establish a grant program through the Minnesota Department of Health.
Grants are given to life-affirming organizations offering essential services in the following areas: medical attention for the woman and the unborn child, nutritional services, housing assistance, adoption services, education and employment assistance, child care assistance, and parenting education and support services.

A total of 37 organizations received $4.75 million in two-year grants in 2006. Another 31 organizations received $4.7 million in the second round of two-year grants awarded in July 2008.
A MDH report last year showed that more than 12,000 women statewide were helped through the Positive Alternatives program in its first two years.
“It is crucial that every pregnant woman know that she does not need to have an abortion,” Fischbach said. “No woman should ever feel forced into an abortion—not by a parent, boyfriend, abortionist or anyone else. Caring people and effective services are available to help women successfully face the challenges of unexpected pregnancy without resorting to abortion.
“We will help pregnant girls and women every step of the way,” Fischbach added. “No one needs to believe that abortion is her only option.”

Related web sites:Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life - http://www.mccl.org