Lives Being Saved in Texas as Abortion Rate Hits Historic Low

More good news in the effort to protect life. A new report from the pro-abortion Guttmacher Institute indicates that abortion rates in the United States have hit record lows. In Texas specifically, the abortion rate has dropped to its lowest level since 1974, the year after the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision took effect.

From 2008 – 2011, the abortion rate dropped nationally from 19.4 to 16.9 (for every 1,000 women) – a decline of 13%. In Texas, the abortion rate dropped from 16.2 to 13.5 representing a drop of 17%. In light of the strong gains of the pro-life movement around the country, and specifically in Texas, this is an encouraging trend.

While understating the statistics is always important, it is also important to remember what these statistics represent – human lives. In Texas alone, these numbers tell us that tens of thousands of unborn children are being saved from abortion.

The declines in abortions in Texas, well above the national average, should encourage the pro-life movement here in Texas. Our efforts to enact pro-life legislation, increase education to women, expose Planned Parenthood, and care for women and children through our great pregnancy centers across the state are making an impact. And as indicated in another recent report, with the Sonogram Law now in full effect and the Pro-Life Omnibus bill from the 2013 session going into effect, we can look forward to further drops in abortions in Texas for 2012 and 2013.

Lives are being saved in Texas. That is encouraging news – but we still have much work to do.