Georgia’s Abortion Rate Has Declined More than 18 Percent over the Last 23 Years

Georgia’s abortion rate has declined more than 18 percent over the last 23 years, even as the state’s population has increased, according to state public health statistics reviewed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The 2017 rate—determined by the number of abortions per 1,000 females between the age of 10 and 55—was 8.3, reflecting 27,453 abortions. That is significantly lower than the 33,516 reported abortions in 1994—a rate of 13.7. During the same time frame, George’s population increased from 7 million people to about 10.4 million, according to reporter Maya T. Prabhu.

The article cited numerous possibilities for the decline, including improved access to birth control, the legalization of over-the-counter sale of emergency contraceptives and a 2015 law banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Cole Muzio, the executive director of the Family Policy Alliance of Georgia, told AJC that he believes the lower numbers reflect a shift away from a pro-abortion mindset.

“We are in an increasingly pro-life generation and pro-life culture,” he said.

Muzio’s group was part of a successful push earlier this year to pass House Bill 481, a new law that bans abortion as soon as a heartbeat is detected, typically at 6 weeks gestation. The Living Infants Fairness and Equality (LIFE) Act is scheduled to go into effect in January but is being…