FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 2, 2023
Little Rock, Ark. – On Thursday the Arkansas Department of Health released its annual abortion reports. The documents reveal 1,621 abortions were performed in Arkansas during 2022. The reports note that on June 24, 2022, abortion became prohibited in Arkansas except to save the life of the mother.
Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement, saying, “These reports are great news. They show that Arkansas’ pro-life laws are protecting women and saving unborn children. Arkansas has successfully prohibited abortion except to save the life of the mother. That is something to celebrate.”
Cox pointed out that abortion was legal in Arkansas until June 24th of last year. “The numbers released by the Arkansas Department of Health prove the effectiveness of Arkansas’ ban on abortions. The Health Department statistics seem to indicate that abortions virtually ended after Arkansas’ law against abortion went into effect.”
Cox said reversing Roe v. Wade last June saved approximately 1,500 unborn children in Arkansas. “In the past, Arkansas has averaged around 3,200 abortions per year. In 2022, there were 1,621 abortions. All in all, our team estimates 1,500 unborn children were saved from abortion after June 24 of last year.”
Cox said the reports also show Arkansas’ informed-consent laws helped women choose options besides abortion. “Arkansas has some of the best informed-consent laws in America. These laws require abortionists to give women all the facts about abortion up front, including abortion’s risks, consequences, and alternatives. They also have to give women plenty of time to consider all options before making a final decision. These reports indicate approximately 400 women chose not to have abortions last year after receiving this information.”
Cox said the reports underscore why it is so important that the Arkansas Legislature voted to appropriate one million dollars this year to help women with unplanned pregnancies. “Most of the abortions performed last year were on single moms. It isn’t enough simply to outlaw abortion. If we truly want to end abortion, we have to help women with unplanned pregnancies. Arkansas is home to more than 60 organizations that assist pregnant women — including some 45 pregnancy resource centers. The money that the State of Arkansas appropriated this year will make it possible for women to receive help from these good organizations.”
