Number Of Abortions In Idaho Dropped To Record Low In ‘94

The number of abortions performed in Idaho plunged 26 percent to a record low last year, according to preliminary data from the state Center for Vital Statistics.

An estimated 1,000 to 1,050 women had abortions in Idaho during 1994, compared with 1,346 in 1993.

A Boise doctor who performs abortions sees the decline as evidence of the effect of harassment and violence at clinics nationwide.

The doctor performs 15 to 18 abortions each Wednesday at Women’s Health Care, a Boise clinic.

In recent years, Idaho doctors who perform abortions have received harassing letters and phone calls. Some had homes or offices picketed.

Harassment may be taking a toll. The number of doctors performing abortions in Boise declined from five to four in the past year, according to Planned Parenthood of Idaho Inc.

Mary Kelly-McColl, executive di rector of Planned Parenthood, said she does not think four doctors who will perform abortions is enough.

“This tells me that women in Idaho need to travel further, at greater expense, to exercise their legal right to obtain an abortion,” she said.

In 1993, 603 Idaho women traveled out of state to have abortions, according to the state Center for Vital Statistics.

And all the in-state abortions were done in four of Idaho’s 44 counties - Ada, Bannock, Latah and Minidoka.