Number of abortions rises slightly in Wisconsin

MADISON — A new report shows the number of abortions performed in Wisconsin rose slightly last year.

The state Department of Health Services released its annual report on induced abortions Tuesday. The report shows 5,818 abortions were performed in the state in 2017, close to a 3.7 percent increase over the 5,612 abortions reported in 2016.

Wisconsin residents obtained 5,640 abortions, up 3 percent from 5,472 in 2016. Women between the ages of 20 and 24 accounted for 30 percent of resident abortions, the largest proportion for state residents. Women between the ages of 18 and 19 obtained 6 percent of the abortions and girls between 15 and 17 obtained 3 percent.

Fifty-four percent of abortions among Wisconsin residents were obtained within the first eight weeks of gestation.