By M.H. Cavanaugh
Christian Action League
June 12, 2015
Abortions are in decline nationwide by 12%. North Carolina abortion rate has dropped by 26.3%.
That’s what the Associated Press recently stated in its annual abortion report. According to the AP, the decline is based on figures taken from 45 states during 2010 – 2014. The data coincides with an increase in state laws across the country that tightened restrictions on abortions within the same time period.
A statement from North Carolina Right to Life noted: “We have no doubt that the pro-life legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in recent years has been saving lives in our state. Even mainstream news coverage of the abortion decline has attributed much of it to lifesaving legislation, particularly noting that those states whose legislatures have passed more protective laws have seen bigger drops in their abortion rates since 2010. In 2013, North Carolina reported 8,000 fewer abortions than in 2010.”
John Rustin, president of the North Carolina Family Policy Council, echoed those sentiments, stating, “The sharp decline in North Carolina’s abortion rate over the past several years is a testament to the tireless efforts of the pro-life community in our state, from pregnancy resource centers, to concerned citizens at the grassroots level, to courageous lawmakers in the state legislature.”
Life News reported that the pro-life movement has focused most recently on closing down abortion clinics, especially those operating in violation of basic health and safety laws that legitimate medical facilities are required to follow. Life News said the AP survey indicates the high number of abortion clinics closings is party to the reduction in abortions.
“While some of the new laws have been blocked by lawsuits, most have taken effect,” said Life News, “contributing to the closure of 70 abortion clinics in a dozen states since 2010.”
Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, told Life News, “The states where we see large decreases in abortion numbers are generally states that experienced abortion clinic closures and in states with very active pro-life opposition. Of course other factors contributed to the decrease, but these numbers confirm that when abortion clinics close, abortion numbers drop and lives are saved.”
But Dr. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, contended that North Carolina had the second highest fall in abortions in the nation and with no clinic closures. He added that pro-life champions in the state had made incredible ground for life, in spite of lawsuits that spoiled a ‘Choose Life’ license plate, as well as an ultra-sound provision that was a part of the Woman’s Right to Know Act in 2011.
The AP report comes on the heels of another pro-life victory June 3rd of last week when HB 465 – Women and Children’s Protection Act of 2015 passed the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislation increases the wait time for an abortion from 24 to 72 hours.
North Carolina Right to Life said the success of legislation like HB 465 this year, as well as other measures in recent years, is “only possible because of the North Carolinians who are willing to stand for life in the legislative arena and political realms. Grassroots support, such as your calls, letters, and visits to legislators…are essential.”