Abortions are one of the most common medical procedures in America -- one in three American women have an abortion by the time they reach age 45. In 2001, almost half (49%) of all pregnancies in the United States were unintended and, of these, 42% resulted in abortions. Overall, of the 6.4 million pregnancies that occur annually in this country, 19% end in an induced abortion. Most (89%) abortions are performed in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (known as the first trimester) and only 1% of abortions are performed at 21 weeks or later (known as late term abortions) [
Kaiser Family Foundation: Fact Sheet on Abortion in the U.S: Utilization, Financing and Access, 6/2008].
Abortions are sought by women from a wide demographic spectrum. Fifty-seven percent of women who have abortions are in their 20s; 60% have one or more children; 86% are unmarried; 57% are economically disadvantaged; 88% live in a metropolitan area; and 78% report a religious affiliation. No racial or ethnic group makes up a majority of the women who have abortions. [Guttmacher Institute: State Facts about Abortion, Arizona, 2008]
The 1973 Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade guaranteed American women the right to choose abortion. However, a myriad of federal and state policies have a substantial impact on women's access to abortion services. Since that time, the anti-choice movement has worked furiously to chip away at it at the federal, state and local levels – with the ultimate goal of overturning the decision altogether. Anti-choice activists are working hard in state legislatures, the courts, and Congress to take away our rights.
Cost and access are among the barriers to abortion care. The cost of an abortion varies depending on location, facility, timing during pregnancy and type of procedure (medical or surgical). Arizona uses mostly state funds to cover the cost of “medically necessary” (by court order) abortions for low-income women. Minors must have parental consent. US laws ban federal funding of abortions for Federal employees and their dependents, Native Americans covered by the Indian Health Service, military personnel and their families and women with disabilities (who are covered by Medicare).
Abortion In Arizona
Access to an abortion provider is limited nationwide and particularly in Arizona. In 2005, 73% of Arizona counties had no abortion provider. Lawmakers in Arizona consistantly seek opportunities to further restrict abortion access by limiting who can provide abortion services, implementing mandatory waiting periods, and mandating counseling be saught prior to an abortion. In 2009, the Arizona Legislature passed the most restrictive piece of anti-abortion legislation the state has seen in years. [Guttmacher Institute: State Facts about Abortion, Arizona, 2008]
Our Stance
We believe it is vital to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies through comprehensive prevention policies and expanded access to contraception. That said, NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona is committed to keeping abortion safe, legal, and accessible.
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