Abortion rates continue to show decreasing trend

To the editor:

Recently, the Missouri Department of Health released abortion statistics for 2002.

The figures show a continuing decline in abortion rates over the last several years. In 2002 there were 12,250 abortions. In 1980 there were 21,671.

While there are many reasons for the decline, I think part of it can be attributed to pro-life efforts by several organizations in Southeast Missouri.

One is SEMO Lifechain, which annually conducts a prayer meeting in Dexter.

Another is the local Right to Life organization.

A new organization is the Vitae Caring Foundation previously known as the Vitae Society, which is new to the Poplar Bluff area.

Americans are growing weary of the culture of death and are more inclined to let their babies live when faced with an unplanned pregnancy.

I applaud this move. I hope by next year there will be more good news concerning a decrease in the number of abortions in our area as well as across Missouri.

GERALD BEAM

Dexter, Mo.