Indiana Abortions Down By Half Since 1980; Local Numbers For 2013

By Mike Perleberg (Indianapolis, Ind.) - Fewer abortions are being performed in Indiana, according to newly released Indiana State Department of Health records. Indiana women terminated 8,027 pregnancies in 2013. That's about 800 fewer abortions than occurred in 2012, an 8.9 percent decline. Last year also marked the fifth straight year for a decline in abortions in Indiana. The number of abortions in Indiana has been cut in half from a record 16,505 in 1980, a trend that Indiana Right to Life President and CEO Mike Fichter called encouraging. "But we mourn the loss of 8,027 unborn boys and girls," Fichter said. "We look forward to the day when the abortion rate is zero. Until then, we will continue to work with our partners in the pro-life community to provide positive alternatives for women facing unplanned or complicated pregnancies. Women don’t need to feel like abortion is their only option; thousands of Hoosiers are ready to provide support to both mother and child during pregnancy and after birth." According to the ISDH, 10 Ripley County residents had abortions performed in 2013. Less than five residents each in Dearborn and Franklin counties terminated a pregnancy. No abortions were reported among residents of Ohio or Switzerland counties. The health department noted that the data has not been finalized. Most of Indiana's abortions last year, about 75 percent, occurred in less than nine weeks of gestation. Close to 24 percent were performed in the nine to 12 week gestation range. Less than one percent were performed in the 13 to 20 week range. Close to 100 percent of the abortions were performed at clinics. Only about 35 procedures took place in hospitals. Women from at least 84 of Indiana's 92 counties had an abortion, even though clinics are located in only six counties.