Printer-friendly versionYes it is possible to decrease out-of-wedlock births without increasing abortion. Three US states have done it. Here's how... Alabama, Michigan and the District of Columbia will each receive a $25 million bonus from the department of Health and Human Services because they have reduced the rate of out-of-wedlock births without increasing their abortion rates. “These awards are yet another way for us to help states encourage marriage and the formation of stable families and to improve the quality of life for children,” said Wade F. Horn, HHS assistant secretary for children and families. The District, with 3.976 percent, saw the largest decline in its unwed birth rate. Alabama’s fell by 0.249 percent, and Michigan’s fell by 0.009 percent. The bonuses were designed as an incentive for states to address unwed births when the 1996 Welfare Reform Law was enacted.
The Washington Times, 9/24/01