Nearly one third of all independent abortion clinics in the U.S. — those not affiliated with Planned Parenthood — have shuttered since 2012, according to a new report.
The number of independent abortion clinics fell 32 percent since 2012, from 510 locations to 344 as of November, stated an analysis from the Abortion Care Network, which “supports abortion care providers to ensure they are able to provide exceptional care to the individuals, families and communities they serve.”
The report revealed a majority of abortions — 58 percent — take place in independent clinics. Planned Parenthood is responsible for 37 percent. In addition, doctor’s offices and hospitals account for 4 percent of abortions.
It should be noted the ACN considers a clinic to be “closed” even if it remains open but stops providing abortions.
Nikki Madsen, executive director of the ACN, told CBS News pro-life politicians pursue “onerous restrictions to try and shut down independent abortion providers.”
“Since 2010, anti-abortion politicians have passed more than 400 laws that attempt to make it too expensive or logistically impossible for abortion clinics to operate,” said Madsen. According to the report, independent abortion clinics “lack visibility, institutional support, and sustainable financial resources.”
The report took particular issue with state laws banning abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detectable.
“Several of the states that passed harmful restrictions this year are states where independent clinics play an integral role in providing abortion care,” read the newly released analysis.