JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - The number of state-funded abortions has fallen in recent years.
Figures provided by the state health department show the number of abortions for which state Medicaid funds were paid fell from a recent high of about 830 in fiscal year 2010 to about 510 in fiscal year 2013.
Since then, the state has moved to enact new regulations defining what constitutes a “medically necessary” abortion for purposes of Medicaid payments. A judge temporarily blocked enforcement of those rules, which Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest sued over.
Though numbers have continued to drop, the department says costs between 2012 and 2013 rose, from about $191,000 to nearly $194,000.
According to the figures, no abortions were indicated as being for cases of rape, incest or risk of death to the woman.
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