The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
figures indicate not only the lowest current rate of abortion in
the United States, but also the largest drop in the rate in 10
years. It will be difficult to determine the precise reason for
this trend. As with most public health issues, but especially
those that relate to sexual and reproductive health, there are
myriad of potential explanations for the decline. The most
important questions we need to ask now are: Does the decline in
abortion rates indicate better reproductive health choices and
outcomes for women? And if so, how do we continue to build on
this success? Researchers have shared several theories behind
the decline. Some believe the economic recession has affected
reproductive decision-making. A Washington Post report suggests
that women are making decisions to continue their pregnancy
rather than terminating. CDC says the decline is due to more
effective contraception and increased access and use by women. A
study from the journal Fe