Abortions are declining nationwide, but North Carolina — tragically — is bucking the trend, according to new data.
The report from the pro-choice Society of Family Planning found an average of 5,377 fewer abortions each month in the U.S. from July to December last year compared to the previous months before the landmark Dobbs v. Jackson decision. The organization named it the #WeCount Report. Nationwide, there were 32,260 cumulative fewer abortions from July to December.
States with the largest declines in the number of abortions during that period include Texas (15,540 fewer abortions), Georgia (10,930 fewer abortions), Tennessee (6,560 fewer abortions), Ohio (4,920 fewer abortions), Arizona (4,650 fewer abortions) and Louisiana (4,250 fewer abortions). All six states have bans or major restrictions on abortion.
North Carolina, though, saw an increase in abortions — from an average of 3,215 abortions per month pre-Dobbs to an average of 3,978 per month post-Dobbs. South Carolina, meanwhile, saw a decrease.
Pro-lifers said the news should grieve North Carolinians.
“This news should be of the utmost concern for pro-lifers in North Carolina, primarily pro-life Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly,” said Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “They campaigned on making North Carolina a culture of life, but there is still no agreement among them in either chamber about saving as many lives as possible. Our state being a destination point for the killing of the unborn is something to be appalled about.”
Scripture, Creech said, is clear on the issue.
“Abortion is undoubtedly the grisliest act of this nation’s history. It is worse than slavery. From the start of God’s Word, the Bible, to the very end, God places a premium on human life at every stage,” Creech added. “God considers destroying innocent human life and cheapening it an outrage. I understand the importance of tolerance — showing a charitable spirit to those who try to justify abortion. I’ve always tried to demonstrate civility in my own life. However, boldly speaking out on this issue, I believe, is something God requires. Moreover, a society that lets this continue and isn’t working earnestly to stop it will feel the wrath of the Almighty!”