Factors in a Declining Demand for Abortion

Did you know at least 58 U.S. abortion clinics (almost 1 in 10) have shut down or stopped providing the life-ending procedure since 2011?  The reporting from Bloomberg.com, coupled with data from Guttmacher (who conduct surveys every few years), show that during the past three years, an average of 19 clinics closed each year.  That’s more than double the rate in the decade ending in 2008.

 

A wave of regulations that makes it too expensive or logistically impossible for facilities to remain in business drove at least a third of the closings.  Demographic changes, declining demand, industry consolidation, doctor retirements and crackdowns on unfit providers were also behind the drop.  In addition to these factors, the article also cites contraceptive use, having increased dramatically since the Food and Drug Administration decided to make it more accessible, as another reason for the abortion clinic decline.

 

While these stats may well be true, I question the assumption that the “declining demand” for abortion clinics is merely due to facility regulations and the accessibility of contraceptives.  Another likely reason women don’t need to make the trip to abortion clinics is because they are joyfully choosing to give their children life … no matter how ‘inconvenient’ their situations.  Improved technology spawned by the use of ultrasounds, for instance, has convinced 78% of mothers to give birth after seeing the miracles that are growing inside them.

 

Though the pro-choice advocates may lament this news, the pro-lifers can celebrate the rapid loss of abortion facilities.  Each clinic closed equals another baby (or babies) being saved.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel