Abortions have declined 12 percent in the United States since 2010, according to the AP, which conducted its own survey. The results, perhaps surprisingly, show the decline across both states with tough restrictions on abortions and states where it’s less difficult to get an abortion.
Teen pregnancy also declined, according to the survey. Teen pregnancy was at an all-time low in 2010, the last time data were available, but AP speculates the teen pregnancy rate has continued to decline based on a combination of fewer teens giving birth and the overall drop in abortion rates. Both pro-life and pro-choice advocates see the trend as encouraging, citing different reasons. The pro-choice side credits better access to sex education and birth control for the drop. Pro-life advocates say increased awareness of the stages of fetal development cast unborn children in a new light for would-be mothers. Either way, it seems education — and information — is having a big influence.
