Minnesota Abortions Continue Decline

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The number of abortions in Minnesota continues to decline.

The state Health Department reported Tuesday the number of abortions in Minnesota fell again last year, dropping below 10,000 for the first time since at least 1975.

Abortions have now dropped in 11 of the past 12 years in the state. Minnesota clinics and hospitals performed 9,903 elective abortions last year, with 9,030 involving Minnesota women.

The report came a day after a U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing certain businesses to refrain from covering birth control for employees if they have religious objections. Some abortion advocates predict the reduction in abortions could be short-lived because of the ruling.

Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, a group that opposes abortion, credits anti-abortion campaigns and legislation for the decline.