Decline in Abortions "Stalled"

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 This Week's Feature HOT OFF THE PRESSES: AUL NOTES INCREASING NUMBER OF ABORTIONS FOLLOWING PLANNED PARENTHOOD'S PRO-ABORTION BUSINESS MODEL Prior to the Guttmacher Institute’s release of their latest survey of abortion data in the United States, AUL reviewed a copy and found a striking result: following a change in Planned Parenthood’s business model, the decline in the number and rate of abortions “stalled.” AUL’s analysis found that Planned Parenthood’s emphasis on chemical abortions and “mega clinics” in urban areas are factored into why the long-term national decline in abortion rates has recently “stalled.” Guttmacher admits that looking only at the relatively small change in national numbers “masks substantial changes in some states.” Data historically shows the regulation of abortion has a direct impact on abortion rates. However, the Guttmacher report fails to examine changes in state legislation regulating abortion. AUL is the industry leader in drafting legislation at the state and federal level. Dr. Charmaine Yoest, who was widely quoted in national coverage of Guttmacher’s report, said that AUL’s model legislation on regulation of chemical abortions “is a ground-breaking tool for reigning in deadly drugs.” But there is another, more effective legislative prescription for a rising abortion rate: Defund Planned Parenthood. “Almost 70 percent of Americans – pro-life and pro-choice – agree that tax dollars should not support abortion,” said Yoest. “In the Guttmacher data we see the tragic result of an aggressive abortion industry.” Visit AUL.org for more analysis of the Guttmacher data. And click here for more information on AUL’s model legislation: On The Docket SUPPORTERS CAN STILL RECEIVE 2010 DEDUCTIONS FOR DONATIONS MADE THIS MONTH Because of a change in the law, IRA holders can still make charitable contributions that will count toward 2010 tax deductions. Congress has reinstated the ability for persons aged 70½ or older to make tax-deductible distributions up to $100,000 per year from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to qualified charities, such as Americans United for Life (AUL). This provision had expired in 2009, but was once again made available through the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which will be in effect from January 1 through December 31, 2011. For more information on these provisions, please visit jct.gov, document JCX-55-10. To take advantage of this opportunity by making a direct charitable distribution from your IRA to Americans United for Life this month, please contact Christine Domenech at christine.domenech@aul.org or 202-289-1478. IN MEMORIAM A shocked and stunned nation continues to watch and pray with families and the victims of an alleged Arizona gunman who shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others over the weekend, resulting so far in six deaths. Included among the fatalities was U.S. District Court Judge John Roll, who was known to the attorneys at AUL and well respected for his work. At AUL, it is our privilege to work with legal and legislative leaders at the state and federal level, and our hearts are burdened for friends and acquaintances who are suffering. We offer our sympathies to the families of all the victims, and pray for the swift recovery of Rep. Giffords and all who were injured. IN THE NEWS AUL’s Dr. Charmaine Yoest was named to a special list this week, one of the top 10 pro-life leaders most disliked by pro-abortion advocates. Click here to read more. Additionally, Dr. Yoest's reaction to the Guttmacher Institute report was included in articles by The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press. Our mission at Americans United for Life is to defend human life through vigorous legislative, judicial, and educational efforts, on both the state and national level. Americans United for Life 655 15th Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20005 ph 202.289.1478