The number of abortions reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control fell once again in 2020, extending a decade-long downward trend, largely driven by a decrease in rates among teens.
There were 620,327 abortions reported to the CDC in 2020, a 2% decline from the year before, according to data released Wednesday. The temporary designation of abortion as a non-essential service in the early days of COVID-19, clinic closures and decreased sexual activity because of the pandemic may have played a role, the CDC said.
Abortion rates have been falling for all age groups over the last decade, but adolescents have seen the biggest decline. From 2019 to 2020, the rate of abortions among 15 to 19 year-olds fell 6.8%, per the report. In the last decade, the rate has fallen 48% for that group, and 56% for those under 15.
