Pregnancies Increase in the State

Birth Rate, Abortion Rate Rise in PA

Harrisburg, PA – Both the birth rate and the abortion rate increased in Pennsylvania in 2006, according to figures released by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Births in the Commonwealth in 2006 totaled 148,703, up from 145,033 in 2005. The rise in births appears to mirror a national trend. In 2006, 4.3 million babies were born in the U.S.—the most births in 45 years. Nationally, births were more common in nearly every age, racial, and ethnic group. The U.S. fertility rate of 2.1 is higher than every nation in continental Europe, as well as Japan, Australia, and Canada.

Meanwhile, abortions in Pennsylvania rose to 36,731, a 5.2 increase over the 2005 total, but a 44.2 percent decrease from the 1980 total of 65,777. Pennsylvania's landmark Abortion Control Act, which included such protective provisions as parental consent, informed consent, and a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, has been credited with helping to cut Pennsylvania's abortion rate almost in half.

"We are fortunate to have one of the most protective laws in the nation when it comes to abortion," said Maria Vitale, Education Director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, the state affiliate of National Right to Life. "Many lives have been saved as a result of Pennsylvania's landmark law," Vitale added.

The abortion rate in Pennsylvania would also be much higher were it not for Real Alternatives, the state-funded alternatives to abortion program. From diapers to day care referrals, Real Alternatives offers comprehensive support to women facing unexpected pregnancies. Real Alternatives has served more than 133,000 women and their families in Pennsylvania over the last 13 years and has become a model for the nation. In 2006, the number of clients served by Real Alternatives increased 7 percent to a record 17,874.

"Through Real Alternatives, lives are being saved and women are being empowered. It's important for us to expand funding for this program—a program where we're really getting our money's worth," said Vitale.

Women facing unexpected pregnancies can call the Real Alternatives hotline number at 1-888-LIFE-AID for immediate, confidential assistance.

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The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation is a grassroots right-to-life organization with members statewide. As the state affiliate of National Right to Life, PPLF is committed to promoting the dignity and value of human life from conception to natural death and to restoring legal protection for the unborn.