Concerning increase in abortions performed statewide, continued decrease locally
Today, the Ohio Department of Health released the 2021 abortion statistics. These numbers are released each September for the prior year. For the second consecutive year, the number of abortions performed in Ohio as well as the number of Ohio women having abortions has increased. This year the total number of abortions performed in Ohio rose by 1208 to 21,813, or 6 percent. The number of abortions performed on Ohio women also rose by 1278 to 20,716, or about 6.5%.
Greater Columbus Right to Life looks at the abortions where they are performed as well as by the County where the mother reports her residence. Although there were a small number of abortions performed in other counties, most abortions are performed in the six counties corresponding with major metropolitan areas. Of these Counties, only Franklin and Hamilton Counties saw a reduction in the number of abortions performed. Each of Cuyahoga, Lucas, and Montgomery saw abortions performed increase.
We are incredibly grateful to the work of our sidewalk counselors who are present to help women who are considering abortion connect to resources that can empower them to choose life. This is one of the reasons that Columbus regularly reduces the number of abortions happening and has seen clinic after clinic close. But we need to do better for our moms and babies. Even in this post-Dobbs era, with Ohio’s heartbeat law currently held up by an injunction, the business at abortion clinics is actually up. If you are interested in joining our sidewalk team, visit our website to get connected.
We also look at the abortions by the County where the mother reports her residence. While we will continue to review and update the numbers to provide these reports for each county as we traditionally do, an initial look at the counties where we are chartered shows room for improvement. Unfortunately, we saw increases in the numbers of abortions happening in Delaware, Morrow, Pickaway, Licking, Fairfield, and Licking Counties. Union and Madison saw decreases this year.
We also look at other statistical information. For example:
- Statewide, just under 50% of all abortions happened by non-surgical methods, mostly the abortion pill. For those procedures performed in Central Ohio, about 80% continued to be by non-surgical methods (the abortion pill).
- This year, fewer than 10% of women having abortions reported being married. Just over 76% of abortions were performed on women who were single (never married, widowed, divorced, or separated). About 7.8% did not report their marital status.
- After a significant decrease between 2019 and 2020, the number of girls under the age of 15 having abortions increased from 52 to 57. A similar trend was noted among young women 15-17 (an increase from 469 to 481). The trend continued for nearly every age bracket in Ohio, roughly proportionate the total statewide number of abortions until women aged 35 and older, which saw fairly static to small decreases in the numbers.
- Abortion clinic location and services continue to drive abortion numbers and type.
- The dramatic shift to abortion pills makes it more necessary thane ever that pro-life communities understand Abortion Pill Rescue and Reversal efforts, especially how the process works and how to reach a local provider. Learn more online, and consider helping us with a financial gift so that we can increase distribution of APR materials in the community.
- In a post-Dobbs world, it is more important than ever to stand up to help moms in need. Learn more about Ohio’s new Bold Beginnings plan in this email.
- We can reduce the number of abortions when we have peaceful, prayerful people who are witnessing on the sidewalks. Now is a great time to sign up for our sidewalk ministry or join the 40 Days for Life Campaign.
- Year after year, we continue to lead the state as an effective and faithful organization that leads through integrity. If you value this, please consider supporting our work through GCRTL or learn about our efforts GCRTL ACT. You can also send us a check at our office.
You can download a PDF of our report here. Report will be updated as we review and reflect on the available data.