Being pro-choice doesn't mean being pro-abortion. Abortion ought to be legal, safe and rare. It ought to be a real choice that women aren't forced into making because of financial considerations. As Think Progress notes, the availability of contraception has reduced abortions for women in their 20s. That's good news.
Between 1990 and 2008, pregnancy and abortion rates for women in their twenties dropped dramatically, a new study revealed today. Pregnancy rates fell by 18 percent, while abortion rates dropped by a third.
One of the biggest influencing factors in this decrease is the growing accessibility, use, and options for birth control. Contraceptive use is the best way to prevent abortions in the U.S.
It is ironic that those that call themselves pro-life are so often opposed to contraception. The end result of the Roman Catholic Church's war on contraception will be increased abortions - not to mention HIV/AIDS, other STDs and preventable cancers.
This drop off in the number of abortions in encouraging - and shows that groups like Planned Parenthood are being effective. People of faith need to step up and speak out in support of contraception at town hall meetings, school board meetings, and at church councils. Visit the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice to learn more about getting involved.
