Both sides of the abortion issue are taking credit for a historic drop in the number of procedures in Wisconsin.
Barbara Lyons, Executive Director of Wisconsin Right to Life , says one reason for the 14 percent decline in Wisconsin abortions in 2007 compared to the previous, is access was limited in Appleton and Milwaukee. For seven months Planned Parenthood clinics there were not offering the procedure. She says it's possible that we will see an increase in 2008 as the clinics again offer abortions.
Lisa Boyce, Vice President of Public Affairs with Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin , says when two of their four Wisconsin clinics were not offering the service, the group secured other means such as area clinics, private providers and access to providers in nearby bordering states.
Across the country abortion is on the decline, Boyce credits improved birth control access such emergency contraception.
"The reduction of (Wisconsin) abortion rates is consistent with national statistics and a reflection of what we can achieve with continued and enhanced access to birth control and sex education."
But Lyons says it's their pro-life educational efforts through radio and TV especially among the most susceptible demographic of women 18 to 24.
"We constantly put a right to life message in their minds."
Nationwide abortion numbers are at the lowest levels since 1974.
