The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in its most recent update (November 23, 2012) a decrease in the number of abortions performed in 2009, the most recent statistics, and also for the decade.

Based on the results, there was a 5% decrease in abortions from 2008-2009, “representing the largest single year decrease for the entire period of analysis.” Additionally, “the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased . . . to the lowest levels for 2000-2009.”

Results: A total of 784,507 abortions were reported to CDC for 2009. Of these abortions, 772,630 (98.5%) were from the 45 reporting areas that provided data every year during 2000–2009. Among these same 45 reporting areas, the abortion rate for 2009 was 15.1 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years, and the abortion ratio was 227 abortions per 1,000 live births. Compared with 2008, the total number and rate of reported abortions for 2009 decreased 5%, representing the largest single year decrease for the entire period of analysis. The abortion ratio decreased 2%. From 2000 to 2009, the total number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions decreased 6%, 7%, and 8%, respectively, to the lowest levels for 2000–2009.

Interpretation: Among the 45 areas that reported data every year during 2000–2009, the gradual decrease that had occurred during previous decades in the total number and rate of reported abortions continued through 2005, whereas year-to-year variation from 2006 to 2008 resulted in no net change during this later period. However, the change from 2008 to 2009 for both the total number of abortions and the abortion rate was the largest single year decrease during 2000–2009, and all three measures of abortion (total numbers, rates, and ratios) decreased to the lowest level observed during this period.

This is good news and provides much for which to be thankful. Take time to thank the Lord for this decrease. But there is much that yet needs to be done. Taking one life of an unborn infant in abortion is one too many!

What are you doing to support the pro-life cause? What can or should you be doing?