Abortion in the U.S. by the Numbers
According to the CDC’s report, in 2015 there were 188 abortions for every 1,000 live births in the U.S. For that same year, 638,169 reported abortions were performed. In contrast, the CDC reports that less than 1% of U.S. women ages 18-44 have adopted a child.
Adoption in the U.S. by the Numbers
The National Council for Adoption’s 2017 report states that approximately 18,000 U.S. infants are adopted each year. 638,169 abortions and 18,000 newborn adoptions – the contrast in choice is staggering.
The Disturbing Abortion Question
Why do so many women with an unwanted pregnancy choose abortion and so few consider giving their baby the gift of life through adoption? It’s a disturbing question and the answer to it is complex. This article is one in a series that seeks to uncover the reasons why the majority of women with unwanted pregnancies choose abortion.
Cost and Motive
Consider this scenario: during Planned Parenthood’s 2017-2018 fiscal year, Planned Parenthood reported performed 332,757 abortions. Contrast that number with 2,831 adoption referrals they made – or 1 adoption referral for every 117 abortions performed. Why?
Research from the Guttmacher Institute (the research arm of Planned Parenthood) illustrates that 73% of women choosing abortion cited the inability to financially provide for a baby. How many women choosing abortion because of financial reasons are unaware that adoption services are free for women who choose adoption for their unborn child? Additionally, do they know that living expenses including food, clothing, housing, transportation, a cell phone, medical care, and counseling is all free of charge for the birth mother who chooses adoption.
Planned Parenthood’s website states that the cost of an abortion at a health center ranges from $350 to $950 for an abortion in the first trimester, and that cost is higher for a second trimester abortion. At an average cost of $500, and 332,757 abortions, Planned Parenthood brought in $166,378,500.00 from performing abortions last fiscal year. The data leaves one to wonder why, more of the 73% of women seeking abortion for financial reasons are not referred to an adoption agency, or why there is only 1 referral for every 117 abortions.
You Before Me
If 73% of women choose abortion for financial reasons, educating women about the financial and practical help they will receive through pregnancy and adoption could very possibly change a woman’s choice from abortion to adoption. This is the reason the You Before Me Movement has begun – to educate women with unwanted pregnancies about the opportunity have a true choice between abortion and adoption, unhindered by the financial component that can make women feel trapped. Watch the stories of real women who experienced a crisis pregnancy HERE.
We invite you to join us in educating women in crisis circumstances about the support and help available to them. Women have the right to know that they can choose life for their unborn child even if they are unable to afford to parent. Join the conversation on Facebook HERE. Download info on how to get involved at: www.ube4me.life.