A new study shows that in states with restrictions on abortion, the abortion rate has declined significantly since 1990 -- especially among minors. The Heritage Foundation released the report Monday.
Dr. Michael New, assistant professor of political science at the University of Alabama and author of the study, examined data from 1985 to 1999. He found states with parental-involvement laws led to a 16-percent decline in the minor abortion rate. Medicaid-funding restrictions resulted in a 23-percent decline.
"While a number of factors may have contributed to this decline," he wrote, "the impact of pro-life legislation on the incidence of abortion among minors cannot be overlooked."
The take-away message, he said, is that life advocates are making significant progress.
"A lot of people don't think the pro-life movement has been that successful, because 34 years later we still have not overturned Roe v. Wade," he told CitizenLink. "But since 1973, we have made a lot of incremental gains -- especially at the state level."
Pro-life laws dealing with parental involvement, fetal pain and informed consent not only reduce the rate of abortion, New said, they enlighten the public.
"A lot of people don't follow politics very closely, and I don't think they really have a good idea about how truly permissive the abortion laws in the country really are," he said. "Incremental laws not only save lives, they educate people about abortion laws, and they build greater support for even more protective laws later on."
Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America, said the study rebuts claims that incremental pro-life laws don't have any impact.
"Dr. New's research -- based on fact -- helps to shatter the myths being put forward by the abortion lobby and the media," she told CitizenLink. "It verifies what common sense would tell us -- pro-life regulations have a positive effect."
The fact there are so many pro-life bills being introduced around the country, Wright said, shows legislators are willing to protect the preborn -- and voters support such laws.
New said electing candidates who are willing to fight for pro-life legislation has resulted in good laws.
"Continuing to elect such candidates in the future," he said, "will give even more protection to the unborn."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read the full report at The Heritage Foundation Web site.
