Arizona abortions dropping slower than national average

PHOENIX (AP) - The number of abortions in Arizona is dropping much more slowly than the national average despite a host of new state laws designed to make it more difficult for women to access abortion services.

Preliminary statistics from the state Health Services Department for 2014 show Arizona saw a 5 percent decline in abortions since 2011.

Abortion rights advocates say the small drop compared with many other states shows that women are not dissuaded from having an abortion once they have made up their mind. Abortion foes point to the drop in abortions as a success.

The Associated Press surveyed all 45 states where abortion reporting is required. The national decrease in abortions was about 12 percent since 2010. Arizona dropped from 13,606 abortions in 2011 to 12,900 last year - down 5 percent.