Arizona reports more abortions; reporting changed
Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo
PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona is recording a 26 percent increase in the number of abortions performed in the state, but the state's top health official says the increase apparently is due to improved reporting.
The Department of Health Services says 14,401 abortions were reported as being performed in 2011. That's up from 11,438 in 2010.
Health Services Director Will Humble says state officials think there previously was under-reporting by providers.
The department has replaced paper reports with an electronic reporting system, and Humble says efforts to boost reporting apparently are paying off.
The report indicates that about two-thirds of the abortions performed in 2011 were surgical. The remaining one-third used medication to terminate pregnancies.
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