40 Days for Life kicks off across the country tomorrow. As thousands of pro-lifers prepare to pray outside abortion clinics throughout America, we thought we would share some news about the rate at which these clinics are closing and the status of abortion in Arkansas.
According to the Huffington Post, approximately 50 abortion clinics have closed in the U.S. since 2010. They estimate that 724 abortion clinics are still in operation.
In 2010 a large number of state legislatures turned conservative, bringing a new wave of pro-life legislation. In 2012 that wave of pro-life legislation continued as more pro-life state lawmakers were elected. Conservatives took control of the Arkansas Legislature in 2012, and in 2013 Arkansas lawmakers passed 6 good, pro-life bills.
Arkansas has three abortion centers. Planned Parenthood clinics in Fayetteville and Little Rock offer chemical abortions. Arkansas has only one surgical abortion clinic remaining, located near the intersection Shackleford Road and Interstate 430 in Little Rock.
Altogether, about 4,000 abortions are performed in Arkansas each year.
The Huffington Post article has a map showing where abortion clinics are closing.
In addition, it has a link to an article in the Daily Beast showing which parts of the U.S. have the fewest abortion clinics.
