Abortion numbers fall in Illinois

Abortions in Illinois are declining, echoing a national trend. Between 2010 and 2013, abortions decreased more than 2.5 in Illinois to 40,750. That is the lowest figure yet during a decades-long drop in abortions in the state. Illinois has less restrictive abortion laws than neighboring states. Each year, roughly 3,000 women from other states travel to Illinois for abortions, adding to the Illinois totals. Carole Brite of Planned Parenthood of Illinois attributes the state decline to women choosing effective birth control methods and limiting unintended pregnancies.  Emily Zender of Illinois Right to Life says the state has more than 50 resource centers that offer alternatives to abortion. A national Associated Press survey of states showed a decrease in abortions of about 12 percent since 2010 overall.