PA Abortion Totals Rise Sharply

From the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation:

Abortions in Pennsylvania rose by nearly six percent in 2008, according to new figures released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The sharp increase follows a rapid rise in the number of Black and Hispanic abortions.

Some 38,807 abortions were performed in Pennsylvania in 2008, a 5.8 percent increase over the 2007 total of 36,663. From 2007 to 2008, the number of abortions performed on Black women rose by nearly 2,000, while the number of Hispanic abortions increased by more than 700. In 2008, 41.8 percent of abortions were performed on Blacks, who comprise 10 percent of the population, while 7.6 percent of abortions were performed on Hispanics. In contrast, there were 109 fewer abortions performed on white women in 2008 compared to 2007.

"Abortion represents a Black genocide which is decimating the African-American community," said Maria Vitale, education director for the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the state affiliate of National Right to Life. "Now, we're also seeing an increasing number of Hispanics who are experiencing the tragedy of abortion. Minority populations are being particularly hard-hit by the abortion industry."

The latest abortion statistics show the pressing need to provide support for women facing unexpected pregnancies.

"We know that the total abortion rate would be much higher were it not for Pennsylvania's Alternatives to Abortion program, which is administered by Real Alternatives," Vitale said. "Our program has become a model for the nation, providing everything from diapers to day care referrals to women and their families."

About 95 percent of abortions in Pennsylvania take place in seven counties — Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lehigh and Philadelphia.

"Pregnant women in Pennsylvania need to know that there is loving support available," Vitale said. "At a time of crisis in their lives, they can be assured that there are many people who stand ready to help empower them to make life-affirming choices for themselves and their families."

For more information about, visit the group's Web site, www.paprolife.org