Via HuffPo:
Abortion rates have dropped dramatically in the past 25 years to historic lows in wealthy countries, but dipped only slightly in poorer developing nations, according to a global study published on Wednesday.
The study – by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Guttmacher Institute – also found that imposing restrictive laws does little to lower abortion rates, but is more likely to force people into having unsafe terminations.
It estimated that on average 56 million abortions took place each year worldwide from 2010 to 2014.
The overall findings highlight a lack in poorer countries of access to modern contraception methods – such as the pill, implants and coils – to reduce unwanted pregnancies, the researchers said.
“In developing countries … family planning services do not seem to be keeping up with the increasing desire for smaller families,” said Gilda Sedgh, who led the research at the Guttmacher Institute in the United States.