The numbers are out. The State of Wisconsin released their annual report on reported abortions for 2016.

In Dane County, abortion numbers have held relatively steady the last four years after declining sharply from 2012 to 2013. In 2012, there were 887 reported abortions obtained by residents of Dane County. For each year from 2013 through 2016, there have been 100-150 fewer reported abortions.

In 2016, there were 777 would-be residents of Dane County who were not given a chance to take their first breath. 777 human lives that will not live out the unique plans God had ordained for them in our community.

Every day, 365 days a year, there are two women in Dane County who end their pregnancies. They often feel that abortion is their only way out of their difficult circumstances.

But you are in the business of making a difference. Because of you, women do not face years of regret and babies are given the opportunity to breath the fresh air.

Because of people like you, babies like Ava, Isabella, Jayden, Kiara and Liam will be born in 2018.

Our phones have been busy chirping and ringing with texts and calls. We’re hearing from women who want to make appointments for pregnancy testing or for testing for sexually transmitted infections.

During the summer, when we often see fewer patients, we are instead serving a high number of women every week. Our clinic staff and volunteers have many days when they are seeing back to back patients.

Within just two hours last week we had calls, texts, and emails from four women. All four indicated they were considering abortion. We hope their babies will be among the Avas, Isabellas and Jaydens whose births we celebrate in 2018.

Many women who are facing an unintended pregnancy feel that abortion may be their best option. Their circumstances are often very challenging. But often, when a woman explores her values, learns about available resources and sees the tiny life growing inside her, she changes her mind. A woman who is fully informed is better able to make a decision to carry her baby to term.

Lives are being saved because of your prayers* and support.

We mourn the 777 children who were not given an opportunity to enter this world in 2016. And with your help we will continue to do all we can to decrease this number in 2017 and beyond.

At the same time, we are most grateful for the Avas, Isabellas, Jaydens, Kiaras and Liams who will not be statistics next year. They will instead be born — because you made a difference for life.

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