Kansas reports decrease in abortions

? Kansas officials today reported a slight decrease in the number of abortions performed in the state.

The total number of abortions in Kansas for 2003 was 11,697, which was 147 fewer than the 11,844 in 2002. That represents a 1.24 percent decrease.

The figures are contained in a preliminary annual report by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Kansas residents obtained 6,163 abortions and out-of-state residents obtained 5,534 abortions in Kansas. Of those out-of-state figures, Missouri residents obtained 4,842 abortions in Kansas.

The report said the decrease in abortions was reported in all age groups and all race groups.

No “partial birth” abortions were done in 2003, according to the report. The report can be accessed at www.kdhe.state.ks.us/ches/