The overall abortion rate in the United States is at its lowest level in 30 years – however the face of women who chose to terminate their pregnancies has shifted significantly.
Since 1974, the number of abortions among teenagers has dropped dramatically — down 50 percent. However, abortion rates are still high among older women with children and poor women, according to a report by Guttmacher Institute.
"There's been a shift in the population of women obtaining abortions relative to 30 years ago," said Rachel Jones, a senior research associate at the institute, in a news release. "They are older, they are more likely to be unmarried, more likely to be mothers, and they are more likely to be women of color."
The abortion rate remains three times higher among Hispanic women and five times higher among African American women, compared to white women, according to the report.
The vice president at Planned Parenthood said the report shows the inequality in women’s health care in this country.
"This study highlights what we at Planned Parenthood see every day — affordable access to birth control is the best way to prevent unintended pregnancies," Laurie Rubiner said in a news release. "Unfortunately, there are more than 45 million uninsured Americans and more than 17 million American women who need help getting their (birth control) pills filled," she said.
Click here for more information from the Guttmacher Institute.
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