New York remains the abortion capital of the U.S. with more abortions occurring on a per capita basis than any other state. Abortion is trending down for the seventh consecutive year. The 2015 data reveals that the number of abortions statewide hit another all-time low since abortion was legalized in 1970 (NY legalized abortion before Roe v. Wade). In the last seven years measured (2008 to 2015), the number of abortions dropped 25%, including a 5.2 point drop in 2015. Monroe County, home to Rochester, continues to lead the way in this abortion trend reversal with a 12% reduction in 2015 alone. Monroe County is one of the only counties with a consecutive seven-year reduction; abortion falling by 49%!
These statistics are the most up-to-date and accurate in the nation. Since abortion rates fell again in NY, the abortion bellwether state, it is likely that they are falling everywhere else too.
National abortion advocates argue that declines in abortion happen for two reasons: 1) Increased access to contraception and 2) Decreased access to abortion. Yet, these reasons do not account for the phenomena in NY. Not only is NY one of the most legislatively permissive states in the union, apparently contraceptive use has played no measurable role either. If abortion rates were declining because women were using contraception more effectively, then the number of NY pregnancies would be declining just as fast as abortion. But pregnancy rates have slowed by only 0.64%, while abortions fell a full 5% statewide in 2015. Translation: Women are still getting pregnant at nearly the same rate but are simply not choosing abortion nearly as often.
So what’s happening in Rochester? Why is abortion falling farther faster in Monroe County than in any other county in the U.S., apart from abortionists closing shop? Part of the answer is that the women at risk for abortion who CompassCare has helped to have their babies, account for a full 30% of the decline in Monroe County. Women have abortions because they feel trapped. CompassCare gives women back their true autonomy by treating them with compassion and dignity through ethical medical care and comprehensive community support. This support empowers them to make the most difficult choice and have their babies.
These numbers say that the community cares and is rallying to support women rather than abandon or abuse them in their hour of need. If you would like to help CompassCare serve twice as many at-risk women, driving abortion rates down even further, please consider deepening your financial partnership.