Minnesota Abortions at Lowest Level Since 1975; Woman's Right to Know Law Saving Lives

According to the annual abortion report released by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), there were 13,788 abortions reported in 2004, compared to 14,174 in 2003. This is in line with an earlier post citing a Heritage Foundation report that state regulations and restrictions lead to fewer abortions. 2004 marked the first full year of Minnesota's informed consent law.

The law requires abortion centers to inform women of abortion risks, complications, and alternatives. It also includes providing women with facts on fetal development throughout gestation and the facts of fetal pain. Every woman inquiring about abortion is required to be given this information, and abortion centers must report that each woman was provided the information. After receiving this information, 2071 women opted against the procedure and delivered their babies.

Scott Fischbach, Executive Director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), has the truffle quote:

One of our great hopes in passing Woman’s Right to Know was that more pregnant women would make an informed decision not to abort their babies, and this is clearly happening.