For the first time since 2001, the number of abortions performed in Kansas has increased.

There were 11,221 abortions in Kansas in 2006, up from 10,543 in 2005 – a nearly 6.5 percent increase, according to a report released Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. In 2001, there had been 12,422 abortions, and then the numbers steadily decreased.

KDHE officials said they had no idea why there was an increase last year. Of the abortions performed in Kansas, 52 percent were to Kansas residents. Of out-of-state patients, most were from Missouri.