I haven't looked this up but are there statistics on the number of abortions in the US? I'm wondering whether personal privacy would prevent the stats being made public. I can't imagine someone wanting to shout it from the rooftops. That's kind of why I am referring to the availability of both contraception and abortion, in relation to birth rates.

I remember a work colleague back in the mid-'80's, who was in a healthy, long-term relationship, telling me that her preferred choice for ensuring that she wouldn't have babies would be abortion. I diplomatically and quietly stated my thoughts on the matter and I have to admit, I wasn't personally convinced that it seemed a good first choice when contraception was available, but I didn't push my point of view which centres around prevention is better than cure. I also never revealed the conversation to anyone else. It was a private conversation.

It doesn't change my point of view on the need for the availability of abortion, especially for medical emergencies or cases such as rape or child sexual abuse, etc. I still stand by the need for women to be in control of their own bodies and their life choices.