Indicator: Abortion
Definition: Percent of pregnancies that are terminated by an induced abortion; does not include fetal deaths.
Why is this important: The decision to abort a pregnancy may be due to medical complications of either the mother or the fetus, but is usually because the pregnancy was unintended. “Education regarding abstinence, contraceptive use and practices, as well as access to and education regarding safe, effective, and affordable contraception and family planning services might help reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy and, therefore, the number of legal induced abortions.
Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, 17% of pregnancies were terminated. There was a significant decrease in the abortion rate from 2005 to 2009. The abortion rate in Spokane County was significantly lower than that of Washington State in 2009.1
Health Disparities:
Among pregnant Spokane County women in 2009:
There was no difference in abortion by race.
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abortion Surveillance United States, 2000. MMWR Surveillance Summaries. November 28, 2003 / 52(SS12); 1-32 |
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| Data Source | DOH, CHS, 2009 | |
| Percent of pregnancies | ||
| Geography | Spokane County | 16.6% (15.8-17.5) |
| WA | 20.2% (20.0-20.5) | |
| U.S. | Not avail | |
| Trend | 05-09 Decrease | |
| Age | Births | |
| <18 yrs | 45.6% (38.9-52.4) | |
| 18-24 yrs | 22.2% (20.7-23.9) | |
| 25-34 yrs | 11.1% (10.1-12.2) | |
| 35+ yrs | 16.0% (13.7-18.6) | |
| Race | White | 15.6% (14.7-16.5) |
| Black | 18.9% (14.1-24.9) | |
| NAAN | 15.0% (10.7-20.7) | |
| API | 13.1% (9.6-17.7) |
Spokane Regional Health District
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Community Health Assessment
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1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853
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FAX 509.232.1706
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TDD 509.324.1464
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www.srhd.org/spokanecounts
