Minnesota has lowest number of abortions since records began

Lowest number of abortions since records began

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health says the number of abortions last year dropped to the lowest level since the state began keeping track in 1975.

In its annual report released Monday, the department says 11,071 abortions were performed in 2011. The vast majority of abortions in 2011 were performed on women who weren't married and who resided in Minnesota. Women who ranged from 20 to 24 years old had the greatest number abortions. Among counties, the most procedures were done in Hennepin County.

The agency says the abortion rate among women of child-bearing years dropped below 1 percent for the first time. The abortion rate peaked in 1980 with 19,028 procedures.

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Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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