Debunking the Sebelius Abortion Decline

By Michael J. New, University of Alabama

President Obama’s nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services has set off a firestorm of controversy in Catholic political circles. A number of Catholic organizations, citing Sebelius’ steadfast support for legal abortion and her cozy relationship with notorious late term abortionist George Tiller, have publicly come out in opposition to her nomination. Sebelius’ own archbishop, Joseph Naumann has expressed concerns about her nomination as well. However, some progressive Catholic organizations, most notably Catholics United, have come to defense of Sebelius. Furthermore, instead of shying away from the abortion issue, Catholics United is boldly arguing that Sebelius is functionally pro-life. They argue that the health and welfare policies Sebelius pursued as Governor resulted in a significant abortion decline in Kansas.

However, this abortion reduction argument put forth by Catholics United is problematic for several reasons. First and foremost, abortion statistics from Kansas are among the least reliable in the country. Between 1979 and 1987 data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment indicate that the number of abortions performed in Kansas fell by almost 50 percent. Then between 1987 and 1992 the number of abortions suddenly increased by 73 percent. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment states that these sharp fluctuations are partly due to changes in reporting and not the actual incidence of abortion. Furthermore, according to data from the CDC, 40 percent of Kansas abortions are performed on out of state residents, which is one of the highest figures in the country.... [more]

From a related article:

"You can call the picture [of a developed fetus] at left whatever you want. Whatever it is - it is 26 weeks old.

Dr. George Tiller of Wichita, Kansas has offed 60,000 of these around
this age and older...."
"Sebelius and Tiller - A Human Portrait",