Abortions in Arizona
2012 Abortion Report

8/1/2013

Health and Wellness for all Arizonans
Janice K. Brewer, Governor
State of Arizona
Will Humble, Director
Arizona Department of Health Services

MISSION
To promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals and communities in Arizona.

Prepared by:
The Bureau of Public Health Statistics
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N 18th Ave, Suite 550
Phoenix, AZ 85007
http://www.azdhs.gov/plan/crr/ar/index.htm
Acknowledgements: The Department acknowledges all the facilities who reported abortion data during
the reporting period
This publication can be made available in alternative format. Please contact the Bureau of Public Health
Statistics at (602) 542-1242 (voice) or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD).

Permission to quote from or reproduce materials from this publication is granted if the source is
acknowledged.

Table of Contents
Page
Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................

1

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................

2

1.1 Overview of the Arizona Abortion Reporting Requirements ...............................

2

1.2 Trends in Abortions in Arizona and the United States .........................................

4

2. Methodology ..............................................................................................................

6

2.1 Data Sources .........................................................................................................

6

2.2 Measures ..............................................................................................................

6

2.3 Analytic Procedures ..............................................................................................

8

3. Results ........................................................................................................................

9

3.1 Characteristics of Women Receiving Abortions...................................................

10

3.2 Abortions by Gestational Age ...............................................................................

27

3.3 Abortions by Patient County of Residence ...........................................................

29

3.4 Complications Resulting from an Abortion ..........................................................

35

3.5 Petitions Filed with the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts .................

37

4. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................

38

Appendix
A. Abortion Reporting Forms ...................................................................................

39

B. Glossary ..............................................................................................................

43

C. Endnotes ...............................................................................................................

45

Page | i

List of Tables
Page
1. Number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions – selected states, United States,
2000 – 2009 ................................................................................................................
2. Abortions in 2012 by month and resident status .........................................................

2
9

3. Age-distribution of resident women receiving abortions in Arizona, 2012................

11

4. Proportions, rates, and ratios of abortions by age group, Arizona residents,
2000 – 2012.................................................................................................................

12

5. Proportions, rates, and ratios of abortions by race and ethnicity, Arizona residents,
2002 – 2012.................................................................................................................

16

6. Pregnancy history of resident women obtaining abortions in Arizona, 2012 .............

19

7. Method of abortion used by resident women in Arizona, 2012 ..................................

22

8. Maternal characteristics and corresponding medical conditions cited for obtaining an
abortion, Arizona residents, 2012 ...............................................................................

25

9. Maternal characteristics and fetal medical conditions cited for obtaining an abortion,
Arizona residents, 2012 ..............................................................................................

26

10. Distribution of gestational age at time of abortion, Arizona residents, 2012 .............

27

11. Age distribution of resident women receiving abortions by gestational age at time of
abortion, 2012 .............................................................................................................

28

12. Method of abortion and gestational age, Arizona residents, 2012 ..............................

29

13. Abortions, live births, rates, and ratios for resident females age 15 – 44 by patient
county of residence, 2012

.......................................................................................

30

14. Number of abortions, rates, and ratios for resident females age 15 – 44 by patient
county of residence, 2002 – 2012 ...............................................................................

32

15. Abortions by patient county of residence and age group, Arizona, 2012 ...................

33

16. Abortions by patient county of residence and race and ethnicity, Arizona, 2012 ......

34

17. Complications resulting from an abortion for resident women, Arizona, 2012 .........

36

18. Petitions filed with the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts ........................

37

Page | ii

List of Figures
Page
1. Abortion rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012 .....................................................

4

2. Abortion counts and rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012...................................

10

3. Adolescent abortion rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012 ...................................

14

4. Marital status of resident women receiving abortions, 2002 – 2012 .........................

17

5. Educational status of resident women receiving abortions, 2012 ..............................

18

6. Pregnancy history of resident women obtaining abortions in Arizona by age group,
2012 ............................................................................................................................

21

7. Method of abortion among Arizona resident women, 2002 – 2012 ..........................

23

Page | iii

Executive Summary
As required by A.R.S §36-2163, this comprehensive annual statistical report presents abortion
statistics and demographic characteristics of women obtaining abortions in Arizona. Included are
data compiled from reports of elective abortions, complications resulting from an abortion, and
petitions compiled by the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts authorizing an abortion to
unemancipated minors. Data is compiled annually based on calendar year using a secure, webbased reporting system. Facilities and providers submit abortion procedure (A.R.S. §36-2161)
and complication reports (A.R.S. §36-2162) to ADHS on a monthly basis.
During the 2012 reporting year the total number of reported elective abortions performed in
Arizona was 13,340, compared to 14,401 in 2011. This represents a 7.4 percent decrease in
overall abortions irrespective of resident status. This is a more modest change than the
2010 – 2011 reporting year (see Figure 2). Ninety-eight percent (n = 13,129) of the abortions
performed within Arizona in 2012 were to resident women (“resident” refers to residents of
Arizona), a 3.5 percent decrease from the 13,606 resident abortions in 2011. Approximately 58
percent of resident women who received an abortion were 20 to 29 years of age (see Table 3).
The majority of resident women obtaining abortions in Arizona were unmarried (79.6%, n =
10,449; see Figure 4). During 2002 – 2012 the abortion rates decreased slightly for both
adolescents 15 -19 years (see Figure 3) and unmarried women (see Figure 4). Surgical abortion
procedures comprised approximately 68 percent (n = 9,074) of the total number of reported
abortions performed in Arizona during 2012 (see Table 7). Non-surgical abortions showed a 5
percent decrease to about 32 percent (n = 4,266; see Figure 7). While the number of abortions
due to maternal medical conditions increased, those due to fetal medical conditions decreased
(see Table 9).
Historically, incidents of complications resulting from an abortion procedure have not
consistently been reported at the state or national level. The 2012 reporting year is the second
consecutive year complications were consistently reported in Arizona. During the 2012 reporting
year there were a total of 76 resident women who experienced complications resulting from an
abortion. Of these, the majority resulted from abortions performed at 13 or fewer weeks of
gestation (see Table 17). The most frequently reported complication was delay and/or excessive
hemorrhage and over 72 percent of complications were to women living in Maricopa county (see
Table 17).
As required by A.R.S §36-2163 subsection C, the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts
reported a total of 49 petitions filed during the 2012 reporting year. Of these, 42 orders
authorizing an abortion without parental consent were issued to unemancipated minors (see
Table 18).
This report is available for public inspection and copying at http://www.azdhs.gov/plan/crr/ar/ .

1|Page

Introduction
Abortion surveillance in the United States has been conducted by the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) since 1969. Data is voluntarily provided each year to the CDC through
the central health agencies of 48 reporting areas (46 states, the District of Columbia, and New
York City).1 According to the CDC, since 1973 the total number, rate (number of abortions per
1,000 women aged 15 – 44 years), and ratio (number of abortions per 1,000 live births) of
reported abortions increased rapidly in the United States and reached its highest levels in the
1980s before decreasing.1 Table 1 displays the most recent, nationally reported numbers
(counts), rates, and ratios of reported abortions from selected states for the United States during
the period 2000-2009.
Table 1. Number, rate, and ratio of reported abortions – selected states, United States,
2000 – 20091
Table 1. Number, rate,* and ratio† of reported abortions --- selected states, United States, 2000--2009
All reporting areas§
Continuously reporting areas ¶
Year
No.
No.
%**
Rate
Ratio
2000
857,475
826,123
96.3
16.2
2001
853,485
821,850
96.3
16.1
2002
854,122
823,534
96.4
16.1
2003
848,163
820,052
96.7
16.1
2004
839,226
811,381
96.7
15.9
2005
820,151
801,577
97.7
15.6
††
2006
827,888
97.1
16.1
852,385
2007
827,609
812,273
98.1
15.8
2008
825,564
810,403
98.2
15.9
2009
784,507
772,630
98.5
15.1
*
Number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15--44 years.
† Number of abortions per 1,000 live births.

248
249
250
245
241
236
236
229
232
227

§

Excludes states that did not report abortion numbers to CDC: Alaska (2000-2002), California (2000-2009), Delaward (2009),
Louisiana (2005), Maryland (2007-2009), New Hampshire (2000-2009),and West Virginia (2003-2004).
¶

Only includes areas that reported abortion counts every year during the period of analysis (2000-2009).
Abortions from areas that reported every year during 2000-2009 as a percentage of all reported abortions.
††
This number is greater than reported in the 2006 report because of numbers subsequently provided by Louisiana.
**

1.1 Overview of the Arizona Abortion Reporting Requirements
For many years Arizona collected and reported abortion data in response to administrative rules
written by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as part of the Vital Records
Administrative Code. Beginning June 1976, as part of the required Report of an Induced
Termination of Pregnancy, providers reported to the ADHS basic information about abortions
and complications. Adherence to the reporting requirement was not enforceable, however regular
2|Page

reminders along with a standard reporting format were sent to clinics that provide abortion
services. ADHS received these forms and used the data to prepare tables for inclusion in the
annual Health Status and Vital Statistics (HSVS) report. * Additionally, the data collected
improved the estimation of total pregnancies and counts of births.
The enactment of SB1304 in 2010 statutorily required the reporting of abortions and treatment of
complications associated with abortions.2 The Arizona Abortion Report, 2010 contained a
combination of data collected prior to and after the passage of the law. Beginning July 29, 2010,
abortion data is reported using a secure, web-based reporting system. The new reporting system
was designed to meet the requirements of the new law. Training, facilitated by ADHS, was
offered to all known providers within the state. An Abortion Reporting website was established
for additional assistance and related resources. Additionally, the law requires the Arizona
Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to report the number of petitions filed with Arizona
courts for authorization to perform an abortion on an unemancipated minor without parental
consent in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes §36-2152, subsections B and D. The
collection of AOC data also began July 29, 2010. The data submitted by providers and the
Administrative Office of the Courts does not include personally identifiable information (i.e.,
name, birthdate, social security number, etc.) and only authorized entities can enter and submit
data through the secure, password protected portal.
The Abortions in Arizona, 2011 report set the standard format for the report and differed from
the 2010 report in several ways: 1) the complete 2011 calendar year of data was utilized and
uniformly reported; 2) where feasible, the report was formatted and categorized to meet both
legislative requirements and the CDC reporting standards for comparability; 3) it included
specific terms associated with abortion and a description of the strengths and limitations of the
report; 4) it included a revised reporting methodology and detailed how race and ethnicity was
enumerated, and finally 5) the report discussed public health implications related to abortion.
The Abortions in Arizona, 2012 report represents the second consecutive year of data collection
using the web-based reporting system, a standardized format, and presents updated statistics and
information. Previous reports presented Arizona data to coincide with CDC’s national report.
However, because of the 3-year gap between the national and state report, several data tables
were adjusted to reflect year ranges more relevant to Arizona (i.e., 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years).
Tables presenting descriptive data associated with medical-related abortions were added to
highlight the incidence and impact on other areas of public health. Several systemic upgrades
were implemented to ensure more accurate data collection. The upgrades took effect at the close
of the 2012 data year. The abortion surveillance system facilitates the ADHS’ ability to monitor
*

ADHS. Health Status and Vital Statistics (HSVS) Report. Previous reports present year data
tables that coincide with the CDC’s national report correspondent with section 1D of each annual
report for the table of characteristics.
3|Page

long-term changes in the overall incidence of abortion in Arizona and facilitate pregnancyrelated program development and evaluation.
1.2 Trends in Abortions in Arizona and the United States
In calendar year 2012 there were a total of 13,340 abortions reported in Arizona with 13,129 of
these abortions being performed on Arizona residents. The percent decrease in total abortions
from 2011 was about 7.4 %. Compared to the 26% increase in reported abortions from 2010 to
2011, this decrease represents a more realistic change from 2011 which is perhaps most
attributable to 2012 being the second consecutive year of standardized, web-based reporting.
Figure 1 below displays Arizona’s abortion rate for the years 2002 – 2012. Arizona’s abortion
rates ranged from 9 per 1,000 women in 2002 to 10.2 per 1,000 women in 2012 with the highest
rate in 2011(10.7 per 1,000 women) and the lowest in 2008 (7.8 per 1,000 women). Based on the
most recently available national data (2000-2009), the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) estimated Arizona’s abortion rate as nearly 50% lower (7.9 per 1,000 women)
than the national rate (15.1 per 1,000 women; see Figure 1).
Figure 1. Abortion rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012

Reporting Changes Initiated
(July 29, 2010)

4|Page

Independent estimates available from the Guttmacher Institute show abortion rates for Arizona
that are consistently higher than the rates generated by the ADHS.
Differences in the ADHS and Guttmacher Institute estimates are likely due to differences in
methodology. For example, the Guttmacher Institute uses numerous active follow-up techniques
to increase the completeness of the data obtained through its periodic national survey of abortion
providers.1 Keeping this perspective in mind, the following report estimates the incidence of
abortion in Arizona for the 2012 calendar year.

5|Page

Methodology
Collection of accurate abortion data reveals the level of unwanted and/or unintended pregnancies
related to other pregnancy outcomes and preconception health/planning in a population. Abortion
also relates to maternal morbidity and mortality1(p.8). The data and information presented in this
report result from the statutory requirements established by Arizona Revised Statutes §36-2163.
The term abortion replaces induced termination of pregnancy (ITOP) and termination where
appropriate throughout this report. The term resident refers to residents of Arizona.
2.1. Data Sources
The primary data source for this report is the web-based reporting system for Arizona providers.
The data does not include personally identifiable information (PII) and only authorized entities
may enter and submit data through a secure password protected portal. A second data source, the
Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts, provides aggregate data for the number of petitions
filed with Arizona courts for authorization to perform an abortion on an unemancipated minor as
prescribed in Arizona Revised Statutes §36-2152. It is plausible that abortions performed on
unemancipated minors were included in the data collected using the web-based reporting system.
A third data source are abortion reports received from other states for Arizona residents who
obtained an abortion in a state other than Arizona. The reports are provided as a courtesy from
other states. Reports received prior to the data close out date are included in the current reporting
year.
2.2. Measures
Measures reported here are mostly consistent with CDC categorizations and definitions.
Aggregate abortion counts are reported for the following variables:
• Age in years of the woman (<15, 15–17, 18–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40-44,
≥ 45);
• Gestational age in weeks at the time of abortion (≤ 6, 7–20 by individual week, ≥21);
• Race (White, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander, Multiple Race);
• Ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic);
• Method type (surgical, non-surgical/medication-induced);
• Marital status (married and unmarried);
• Number of previous live births (0, 1, 2, 3, or ≥4);
• Number of previous abortions (0, 1, 2, 3, or ≥4);
• Maternal residence (state, AZ county of residence, border and non-border region).

6|Page

Some important measures for abortions are: a) the total count (number) of abortions in a given
population, b) the percentage (proportion) of abortions obtained within a given sub-population,
c) the abortion rate (number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years or other specific
group within a given population), and d) the abortion ratio (count of abortions per 1,000 live
births within a given population).1
Total counts and percentages provide an overview of abortions while abortion rates are a more
useful measures as they adjust for differences in sub-populations and sub-population size.
Abortion ratios reflect the relative number of pregnancies in a population that end in abortion
compared to live births. Abortion ratios are affected by the proportion of unintended pregnancies
in a population and unintended pregnancies ending in abortion.1
U.S. Census Bureau and Arizona Vital Statistics estimates of the Arizona resident female
population were used as the denominator for calculating abortion rates. Overall abortion rates
were calculated from the population of women aged 15 – 44 years. To calculate abortion ratios,
live birth data were obtained from Arizona natality files.
It is important to detail how race and ethnicity in this report were handled. The variables for race
and ethnicity are based on specifications established by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) and the Arizona State Demographer in cooperation with specifications developed by
ADHS Vital Statistics. Consistent with OMB methodology3, the web-based reporting system
allows for multiple race categorizations consistent with Census enumerations. For instance,
women obtaining abortions were asked about their ethnicity (namely, as Hispanic or Latino
and/or Non-Hispanic or non-Latino) and separately about their race according to five standard
race categories (i.e. White, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, and Native
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). Additionally, if one of the OMB categories does not apply, selecting
“Other” allows providers to input specific race designations.
A multiple race category was added to enumerate women who identify with more than one race.
The selection of more than one race resulted in numerous combinations. Collecting multiple race
posed a challenge resulting in an accumulation of approximately 23 percent of the abortion
records containing multiple race designations. As denominators for multiple races are not readily
available, utilizing multiple race and ethnicity categories complicates estimation of abortion rates
for groups who report multiple races4. To meet the requirements of OMB reporting standards for
compiling statistics on these sub-groups, records designating ethnicity as Hispanic or Latino,
irrespective of race, were reported as Hispanic. When single race and ethnicity were reported,
those categories were included and when multiple races were reported, multiple races were
coded to a single “multiple race” category.
An examination of characteristics of women obtaining abortions by border region is included in
this report. Arizona encompasses several federally recognized sovereign American Indian
nations and shares its southern border with Mexico. For the purpose of this report, women
7|Page

reporting their county of residence as Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma were categorized as
‘border region’ comprising the United States and Mexico border region (consistent with the U.S.
Mexico Border Health Commission5 definition). The remaining counties are considered ‘nonborder’ regions.
2.3. Analytic Procedures
Where applicable, both univariate and bivariate statistics are presented. Counts, percentages, and
rates were calculated using SAS v.9.3 software (2008). While abortion rates in general are
reported for women of child-bearing age (15 – 44 years), age-specific rates were estimated using
U.S. Census and Arizona Vital Statistics denominators for age-groups 10 – 14 years, 15 – 17
years, 18 – 19 years, 20 – 24 years, 25 – 29 years, 30 – 34 years, 35 – 39 years, and 40 – 44
years.

8|Page

Results
A total of 21 facilities reported data for calendar year 2012. During this period, there were a total
of 13,340 abortions reported in Arizona of which 13,129 were to Arizona residents. Additionally,
the total number of reported abortions to Arizona resident women between the ages of 15 and 44
years was 13,041. The percent decrease for the same group in 2011 (n = 13,523) was about 3.6
percent. Almost all (99.03%) abortions reported were elective and most of these were performed
in clinics (99.57%). Out of the total abortions, slightly more than 68 percent (n = 9,074) were
performed using a surgical procedure and approximately 32 percent (n = 4,266) were nonsurgical/medication-induced procedures. Table 2 provides an overview of abortions by month of
termination, residence and non-residence status, and the number of resident live births in those
months.
Table 2. Abortions in 2012 by month and resident status

Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Total

Non-resident
Resident
Resident live Abortion Ratio§
abortions
abortions
births
(153 per
(N = 211)
(N = 13,129)
(N = 85,725)
1,000 births)
32
1,125
7,006
161
18
1,229
6,732
183
24
1,407
7,100
198
18
1,141
6,603
173
10
1,107
6,777
163
14
1,161
6,725
173
24
1,054
7,368
143
33
1,014
7,772
130
12
980
7,689
127
7
982
7,629
129
6
934
7,101
132
13
995
7,223
138
211
13,129
85,725
153

§

Abortion ratio is the number of abortions per 1,000 live births

The overall abortion ratio for calendar year 2012 was 153 abortions per 1,000 live births
compared to 160 abortions per 1,000 live births in 2011. The overall abortion rate for calendar
year 2012 was 10.2 per 1,000 women of child-bearing age (15-44 years).

9|Page

Figure 2. Abortion counts and rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012

New Reporting Standards
(July 29, 2010)

3.1. Characteristics of Women Receiving Abortions in Arizona
Characteristics described in this section examine age, race and ethnicity, marital status, and
education of women obtaining abortions in Arizona. Included also are descriptions of pregnancy
history (i.e. previous pregnancies, live births, abortions, and spontaneous abortions), type of
facility in which the procedure was performed or treatment was provided (i.e., clinic, hospital,
etc.), and the method used for abortion (i.e. surgical or non-surgical). Where feasible,
comparative statistics for the United States and Arizona are shown.

10 | P a g e

Age
Maternal age is a critical element in determining maternal and child health. The age range for
resident women receiving abortions was 9 to 50 years. The average age of resident woman
receiving an abortion was 30.45 years (SD = 11.78 years) and the proportion of abortions per age
group remained consistent when compared with 2011. Approximately 70% of abortions were to
resident women younger than 30 years of age, the smallest percentages were among women in
the youngest (<15 years; 0.37%) and the oldest (≥45 years; 0.30% ) age groups.
Table 3. Age-distribution of resident women receiving abortions in Arizona, 2012

Age
Distribution
< 15 years
15 - 17 years
18 - 19 years
20 - 24 years
25 - 29 years
30 - 34 years
35 - 39 years
40 - 44 years
≥ 45 years
Total

AZ Resident
(N = 13,129)
Count Percent
49
0.37
414
3.15
1,077
8.20
4,321
32.91
3,281
24.99
2,181
16.61
1,250
9.52
517
3.94
39
0.30
13,129 100.00

Table 4 on the following page presents reported abortions by age group and year for Arizona
residents from 2002 – 2012. Women in the youngest and oldest age groups accounted for the
smallest percentage of abortions (0.37 % and 0.30% respectively) in 2012 and during the 2002 –
2012 time period. It is evident from the table that the proportion of abortions for women less than
15 years of age declined from 0.42 percent in 2002 to 0.37 percent in 2012. Similarly, among
women 15 to 19 years of age, the proportion of abortions declined from 18.77 percent in 2002 to
11.36 percent in 2012, a 39 percent decline. The consistent decline in the proportion of abortions
to women less than 15 years of age is most evident during the five year (-39%) and ten year (12%) periods. Women 15 to 19 years of age reported the greatest decline (-39%) during the 2002
– 2012 time period. The proportion of abortions for all remaining age-groups increased from
2002 to 2012 with the greatest increase in women 40 to 44 years (34%). In 2002 the proportion
of abortions to women ages 40 to 44 years was 2.94 percent of all reported abortions, compared
with 2012 which was 3.94 percent, representing an increase of approximately 34 percent.

11 | P a g e

Abortion rates for women less than 15 years of age declined during the 2002 – 2012 time period
with one of the greatest declines seen between 2006 and 2010 (-35%). Similarly, the abortion
rates for women 15 to 19 years of age declined from 10.33 per 1,000 of the same age in 2002 to
6.56 per 1,000 women in 2012 (-37%). From 2002 to 2012, the abortion rate increased for
women in all remaining age-groups. For instance, the abortion rate for women ages 40 to 44
years was 1.53 per 1,000 women of the same age in 2002, by 2012 this rate increased to 2.47 per
1,000 women, showing an overall increase of 61% during the 2002 – 2012 time period.
Table 4. Proportions, rates, and ratios of abortions by age group, Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012
Year
Age in years
Percent of Abortions †
<15 yrs
15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-39 yrs
40 -44 yrs
Abortion Rates
<15 yrs
15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-39 yrs
40-44 yrs

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

0.42
18.77
32.37
19.63
13.27
7.59
2.94

0.59
17.80
34.12
20.35
13.48
7.26
3.20

0.36
17.69
34.16
21.12
13.12
7.88
2.89

0.52
17.60
33.40
21.01
12.72
7.63
2.97

0.66
17.61
33.57
21.35
13.14
8.34
4.25

1.35
17.52
32.93
22.75
12.72
7.91
4.66

0.64
16.79
33.98
22.33
12.22
8.01
2.89

0.24
14.88
33.55
23.72
13.75
8.66
2.80

0.40
13.27
33.10
23.67
15.33
9.44
3.38

0.36
12.76
32.24
25.19
15.82
9.61
4.01

% Change
2011 2006 2002
2012 to
to
to
2012 2010 2012
0.37
3
11.36 -11
32.91
2
24.99
-1
16.61
5
9.52
-1
3.94
-2

-39
-25
-1
11
17
13
-20

-12
-39
2
27
25
25
34

0.22 0.30 0.20 0.25 0.31 0.64 0.30 0.11 0.20 0.22 0.22
-1
10.33 9.31 10.06 8.83 8.66 8.54 7.99 6.78 6.54 7.69 6.56 -15
18.36 18.38 19.40 17.13 16.45 16.44 16.54 15.59 17.18 20.45 20.02
-2
10.69 10.52 11.66 10.34 10.40 10.35 9.86 9.98 12.21 15.87 15.57
-2
7.31 7.05 7.37 6.33 6.50 6.26 5.79 6.20 8.29 10.45 10.32
-1
3.83 3.48 4.24 3.49 4.31 3.89 3.84 3.92 5.08 6.32 6.23
-1
1.53 1.58 1.64 1.40 2.06 2.23 1.35 1.25 1.86 2.43 2.47
2

-35
-24
4
17
28
18
-10

-2
-37
9
46
41
63
61

2
8
32
34
29
29
-14

235
7
49
53
40
37
30

‡

Abortion Ratio§
<15 yrs
15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-39 yrs
40-44 yrs

214
173
134
87
78
99
186

284
157
135
83
74
89
183

234
186
163
101
84
110
182

292
156
132
83
67
89
163

406
145
125
78
68
89
223

789
144
124
83
63
83
235

416
146
135
82
62
83
150

182
138
141
90
70
92
140

415
157
165
105
88
115
193

485
208
202
141
111
143
261

716 48
185 -11
200
-1
134
-5
109
-2
136
-5
240
-8

†

Proportion of total abortions by age group represented as a percentage. Percentages are calculated using the total number of abortions as
the denominator and the number of reported abortions for a specific age-group as the numerator. Percents do not add up to a 100 due to
rounding errors as well as unknown age-categories in some reporting years.
‡

Number of abortions obtained by women in a given age group per 1,000 women in that same age group. Adolescents aged 10–14 years
were used as the denominator for the group of adolescents aged <15 years.
§

Number of abortions obtained by women in a given age group per 1,000 live births to women in that same age group.

NOTE: Percentages, rates and ratios for women 45 and over were excluded.

12 | P a g e

As noted earlier, the abortion ratio compares the count of elective abortions to the count of live
births and is expressed as abortions per 1,000 live births. It is evident from Table 4 that the
abortion ratio for women less than 15 years of age increased from 214 per 1,000 live births in
2002 to 716 per 1,000 live births in 2012 – an increase of 235 percent. Similarly, the abortion
ratio for women 15 to 19 years of age in 2002 was 173 per 1,000 live births, increasing to 185
per 1,000 live births in 2012 (7%). Abortion ratios for women 40 to 44 years of age also
increased between 2002 (186 per 1,000 live births) and 2012 (240 per 1,000 live births).
Focusing on changes from 2011 to 2012, the abortion ratio decreased for all age groups
excluding females less than 15 years old. The abortion ratio for females less than 15 years old
showed a 48 percent increase from 2011 to 2012. Considering the abortion rate for females in
this age group remained relatively stable from 2011 to 2012, and the number of abortions to
females in this age group was the same in both 2011 and 2012 (n = 49), the increase in the
abortion ratio reflects the fact that the number of births to females less than 15 years of age
decreased from 2011 (n = 101) to 2012 (n = 67).

13 | P a g e

Adolescents
Figure 3 below displays adolescent abortion rates for Arizona residents during 2002 – 2012. For
adolescent females ages 15 to 17 years, the 2002 abortion rate was 6.34 per 1,000 females of the
same age. In 2012 this rate was 3.52 per 1,000 females. The percent change in abortion rates
from 2002 to 2012 was highest among 15 to 17 year olds (~45%).
Among female adolescents 15 years or younger, only slight changes occurred between 2002 and
2012, with the highest rate occurring in 2007 (.64%). As previously mentioned, abortion data is
submitted without personally identifiable information, therefore it is difficult to determine the
percentage of this group who filed petitions with an Arizona court to obtain an abortion as an
unemancipated minor.
Among women aged 18 to 19 years, the 2002 abortion rate is nearly identical to the 2012 rate.
The highest rate for this group occurred in 2004. From 2010 to 2012, the abortion rate for
women ages 18 – 19 years increased by 43.6 percent. While some natural increase may have
occurred, the majority of this increase is likely attributable to changes in the reporting
requirements implemented in 2010.
Figure 3. Adolescent abortion rates for Arizona residents, 2002 – 2012

New Reporting Standard
(July 29, 2010)

14 | P a g e

Race and Ethnicity
Multiple race categories were reported in nearly 23 percent (n = 2,965) of reported abortions, and in
approximately 35 percent (n = 4,586) of cases, there was no indication of any race(s). Of the total
13,041 abortions to resident women aged 15 to 44 years in 2012, approximately 26 percent (n =
3,373) of the abortions were for resident Hispanic women, followed by approximately 14.5 percent
(n = 1,891) for non-Hispanic White women. African American resident women accounted for less
than one percent (n = 113) of reported abortions, followed by Asian or Pacific Island resident women
(n = 75), and American Indian resident women (n = 38).
Table 5 on the following page provides an overview of the trends in abortions by race and ethnicity
from 2002 to 2012. The 2012 abortion rates for women who were not Hispanic and/or Latino should
be interpreted with caution due to problems in race categorization noted above. In general, abortions
to Hispanic and/or Latino women (as a proportion of abortions among all race groups) remained
similar throughout this time period. Some of the figures specific to race and ethnicity changed
significantly beginning in 2010, potentially reflecting changes in the way these variables were
reported in the electronic reporting system.

15 | P a g e

Table 5. Proportions, rates, and ratios of abortions by race and ethnicity, Arizona residents,
2002 – 2012
Year

Race and Ethnicity
2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012¶

White non-Hispanic

47.22

48.13

42.89

42.42

48.60

49.61

45.57

47.38

47.39

17.53

14.50

Hispanic or Latino

34.30

33.89

36.46

29.79

30.08

35.47

30.05

32.88

30.94

31.41

25.86

Black or African American

5.35

4.87

5.88

5.60

5.53

6.44

7.16

7.33

4.30

1.07

0.87

American Indian

2.74

3.52

2.77

3.38

3.26

2.96

2.86

2.99

1.97

0.35

0.29

Asian or Pacific Islander

2.63

2.68

3.61

3.63

3.72

4.33

3.96

3.88

2.30

0.35

0.58

Multiple races

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

32.65

22.74

7.77

6.91

8.39

15.18

8.81

1.20

10.41

5.55

13.09

16.65

35.17

White non-Hispanic

7.1

6.9

7.7

5.7

7.21

7.3

6.45

6.38

8.21

3.67

2.87

Hispanic or Latino

10.9

10.2

12.9

8.6

8.1

9.2

7.59

7.96

8.05

9.95

7.62

Black or African American

14.5

11.8

17.7

13

10.27

12.7

13.81

13.34

8.45

2.48

1.97

American Indian

4.4

5.1

5.1

5.1

4.38

3.8

3.6

3.59

3.2

0.58

0.55

Asian or Pacific Islander

NA

8.3

14.7

11.3

9.27

10.4

9.31

8.73

5.24

0.92

1.57

Multiple races

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

White non-Hispanic

127

126

134

112

119

123

113

115

135

62

49

Hispanic or Latino

99

88

110

74

70

81

73

86

100

129

102

202

164

225

170

150

162

173

168

110

33

24

51

61

56

56

54

48

47

49

38

44

7

Asian or Pacific Islander

120

108

170

135

125

133

120

115

77

8

21

Multiple races

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Unknown

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

Percent of Abortions

†

Unknown
Abortion Rates

‡

Unknown
Abortion Ratio

§

Black or African American
American Indian

†

Proportion of total abortions by ethnicity and/or race represented as a percentage. Percentages are calculated using the total number of
reported abortions as the denominator and the number of reported abortions for a specific ethnicity and/or race as the numerator. Percents
do not add up to a 100 due to rounding errors, multiple race and unknown ethnicity/race categories.
‡

Calculated using the number of abortions obtained by women, ages 15-44 in a given race and/or ethnic group per 1,000 women in the same
group.
§

Calculated using the number of abortions obtained by women, ages 15-44 in a given race and/or ethnic group per 1,000 live births to women
in the same group.
¶

Beginning 2011, rates and ratios should be interpreted with caution due to the addition of the Multiple Race and Unknown categories. Single
race selections are the best estimates for rates and ratios.

16 | P a g e

Marital Status
In 2012, 17 percent (n = 2,237) of resident women obtaining abortions were married.
Figure 4 displays the distribution of abortions performed on Arizona resident women from
2002 to 2012 by marital status. Abortions performed on married women from 2002 – 2012
ranged from 20.1 percent in 2003 to 13.2 percent in 2008. From 2009 to 2012 the percentage of
married women obtaining abortions remained consistent. Similarly, the percent of abortions
obtained by unmarried women remained relatively stable during the 2002 to 2012 time period.
According to the latest available national data, “Among the 37 areas that reported marital status
for 2009, 15.0 percent of all women were married, and 85.0 percent were unmarried.”1 (p7)
Between 2002 and 2012 the percent of abortions performed on married women showed a
decrease of approximately 9.6 percent.
Figure 4. Marital status of resident women receiving abortions, 2002 – 2012
Marital Status of Resident Women Receiving Abortions, 2002 - 2012
Married

Unmarried

Unknown

100.0%
10.9%

1.5%

3.0%

3.4%

8.7%

90.0%
80.0%

81.8%

82.4%

83.2%

85.9%

86.8%

85.6%

82.4%

81.1%

79.6%

18.2%

17.6%

16.8%

14.1%

13.2%

14.4%

16.1%

15.9%

17.0%

2006 (n=10,506)

2007 (n=10,486)

2008 (n=10,396)

2009 (n=10,045)

2010 (n=11,059)

2011 (n=13,606)

70.2%

2005 (n=10,446)

60.0%

2004 (n=12,301)

70.0%

71.2%

50.0%
40.0%
30.0%

18.8%

20.1%

2003 (n=10,154)

10.0%

2002 (n=10,397)

20.0%

2012 (n=13,129)

0.0%

** Dashed line indicates establishment of new reporting standard (July 29, 2010).

The percent of married women amongst Arizona residents who obtained an abortion increased
until age 35. Approximately 88% of married women receiving abortions were between 20 to 39
years of age (i.e., ~18% in 20 to 24 years; ~25% in 25 to 29 years; ~27% in 30 to 34 years;
~18% in 35 to 39 years age-groups).
17 | P a g e

Education
Figure 5 displays the distribution of educational attainment of Arizona resident women obtaining
abortions in 2012. The largest proportion reported an unknown educational status (~53%).
Approximately 23 percent (n = 3,019) of women who obtained abortions in 2012 had 12 years
of education, followed by approximately 15 percent (n = 1,947) of women who had 13 to 16
years of education. Four and a half percent of women receiving abortions had less than a high
school education.
Figure 5. Educational status of resident women receiving abortions, 2012

Educational Status of Resident Women Receiving Abortions in 2012

14.83%
4.35%

22.99%
3.25%
0.35%
0.94%

53.29%

< 8 years of education (n = 123)
9-11 years of education (n = 427)
13-16 years of education (n = 1,947)
Unknown (n = 6,996)

8 years of education (n = 46)
12 years of education (n = 3,019)
17+ years of education (n = 571)

18 | P a g e

Pregnancy History
Pregnancy history compiles the previous number of pregnancies, live births, abortions, and
spontaneous abortions. Collecting previous pregnancy history data provides an overview of the
potential risk of future pregnancy outcomes. For instance, in the case of abortions, some studies
indicate that “the risk of preterm birth is higher in women who have undergone induced abortion,
and that the risk is related to the number of abortions.” 6(p.734) Other studies indicate that
previous abortions are associated with a significantly increased risk of low birth weight (LBW)
and preterm birth (PTB), but are not associated with small for gestational age (SGA), and the risk
of LBW and PTB increases with the number of abortions.7
Table 6 presents the previous number of pregnancies, live births, abortions, and spontaneous
abortions. Of resident women receiving abortions in 2012, over one-third (~35%) had three or
more previous pregnancies and approximately 15 percent had three or more previous live births.
Additionally, of resident women who had abortions during 2012, approximately 11 percent had
two or more previous abortions and approximately three percent had two or more previous
spontaneous abortions.
Table 6. Pregnancy history of resident women receiving abortions in Arizona, 2012
Pregnancy History
Number of previous pregnancies
0
1
2
3 or more
Unknown
Number of previous live births
0
1
2
3 or more
Unknown
Previous abortions
0
1
2
3 or more
Unknown
Previous spontaneous abortions
0
1
2
3 or more
Unknown

2012
Count (N = 13,129)

Percent

3,249
2,887
2,406
4,555
32

24.75
21.99
18.33
34.69
0.24

5,829
3,014
2,365
1,901
20

44.40
22.96
18.01
14.48
0.15

8,445
3,131
1,054
431
68

64.32
23.85
8.03
3.28
0.52

10,941
1,673
310
125
80

83.33
12.74
2.36
0.95
0.61

19 | P a g e

Of those women who had abortions in 2012, 7,361 (~56%) had neither a previous abortion or a
spontaneous abortion (data not shown). Approximately 7.6 percent (n = 1,003) had at least one or
more previous abortions and had one or more previous spontaneous abortions. Further, 8.2
percent (n = 1,082) had a previous spontaneous abortion but did not have a previous elective
abortion and about 33 percent (n = 3,574) had a previous abortion but did not have a previous
spontaneous abortion.

20 | P a g e

Figure 6 gives an overview of the pregnancy history of resident women who had abortions in
2012 by age-group. It is evident that the proportion of previous pregnancies, live births,
abortions, and spontaneous abortions were primarily concentrated among women 20-29 years
of age.
Figure 6. Pregnancy history of resident women obtaining abortions in Arizona by
age-group, 2012
Pregnancy History of Resident Women Obtaining Abortions
in Arizona by Age Group, 2012
Prev pregnancy(ies)
Previous abortion(s)

Previous birth(s)
Previous spontaneous abortion(s)

100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
52.88

60.00%

56.86

56.04
48.96

50.00%

35.57
37.24

40.00%

40.42

32.12

30.00%
20.00%
10.00%

5.62

5.40 6.80 5.03

3.08 3.36 2.75

7.87

0.00%
<=19 Years

20 - 29 Years

30 - 39 Years

>=40

21 | P a g e

Abortion Method
Of resident women who had abortions in 2012, approximately 32 percent (n = 4,198) had
non-surgical procedures and approximately 68 percent (n = 8,931) had surgical procedures.
Table 7 provides an overview of the methods of abortion used in 2012. Of the total surgical
procedures reported for resident women, the most common procedure was suction curettage
(66.03%), followed by dilation and evacuation (D&E; 20.71%), and sharp curettage
(D&C; 12.29%). Of the total number of non-surgical procedures reported, the most common
was Mifeprex and/or Misoprostol (80.16%).
Table 7. Method of abortion used by resident women in Arizona, 2012

Method¶
Surgical Procedures

Count

Percent

Suction Curettage

5,897

66.03%

Sharp Curettage (D&C)

1,098

12.29%

Dialation and Evacuation (D&E)

1,850

20.71%

Insertion/Laminaria

50

0.56%

Insertion/Prostaglandin

14

0.16%

Hysterotomy/Hysterectomy

2

0.02%

Insertion/Intra-amniotic (saline)

1

0.01%

Other procedure

18

0.20%

3,365

80.16%

Cytotec & Mifeprex

685

16.32%

Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and misoprostol (Cytotec)

99

2.36%

Cytotec & misoprostol

41

0.98%

Other

8

0.19%

Non-surgical Procedures
Mifeprex and misoprostol

¶

One procedure was reported as unknown/missing.

22 | P a g e

Figure 7 displays trends in surgical and non-surgical procedures during 2002 – 2012. It is evident
that the number of non-surgical abortions increased until 2009 then decreased through 2012. In
2002, 83 percent of all abortion procedures were surgical procedures. However, surgical
procedures decreased through 2012, accounting for 68 percent of all abortion procedures, an 18
percent decrease from 2002. Similarly, non-surgical procedures comprised 17 percent of all
procedures in 2002 and 32 percent of all procedures in 2012. Between the 2005 – 2009 time
period, surgical procedures decreased approximately 29 percent, and during the same time period
non-surgical procedures increased approximately 70 percent.
Figure 7. Method of abortion among Arizona resident women, 2002 – 2012
Method of abortion among Arizona resident women, 2002 -2012
Non-surgical

Surgical

32.0%

45.1%
53.2%

37.5%

50.0%

70%

50.0%

38.4%
61.6%

29.4%
70.6%

35.9%

29.5%
70.5%

64.1%

29.0%

80%

71.0%

24.0%

90%

17.0%

100%

60%

20%

68.0%

62.4%

30%

76.0%

40%

83.0%

50%

10%
0%
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
(n=10,397) (n=10,154) (n=12,301) (n=10,446) (n=10,506) (n=10,486) (n=10,396) (n=10,045) (n=11,059) (n=13,606) (n=13,129)

** Dashed line indicates establishment of new reporting standard (July 29, 2010).

23 | P a g e

Facility and Reason for Termination
Of the 13,129 abortions reported for Arizona residents, 13,072 (99.57%) were performed in
clinics and 54 in hospitals ( .41%). The majority of abortions were elective (99.02%), with 129
(0.98%) cases reported as taking place for medical reasons. Of the 129 cases that indicated
abortion for medical reasons, 84 percent (n = 108) were surgical procedures, 16 percent (n = 21)
were non-surgical, 64 percent (n = 82) were performed in clinics, and 36 percent (n = 47) were
performed in hospitals. About 94 percent (n = 121) of the medically necessary abortions were
performed on women age 20 or older.
Both maternal and fetal medical conditions resulting in complications to pregnancy may result in
a decision to abort. Data related to medical conditions and complications occurring during the
abortion procedure are collected on the abortion procedure report. Providers report both
complications during an abortion procedure and complications occurring after, or as result of, an
abortion procedure. Data relating to complications occurring after or as a result of an abortion are
collected separately (see A.R.S. 36-2162) and are presented in a later section of this report.
During 2012, 34 resident women experiencing medical complications obtained an abortion citing
a medical condition as the reason for termination. The age range of women in this group was
from 17 to 44 years while the greatest number of procedures were to unmarried women 17 – 25
years of age. Approximately 53 percent (52.94%, n = 18) of these abortions were between 14 and
20 weeks gestation and over 67 percent of procedures performed were surgical. About 88 percent
(n = 30) of women in this group were residents of Maricopa county.
Table 8 on the following page presents maternal characteristics and corresponding medical
conditions cited for obtaining an abortion.
Additionally, 85 women obtained an abortion due to fetal medical conditions. The majority of
these were related to birth defects. The age range of women in this group was 16 to 44 years
with the greatest number of procedures to married women 25 – 39 years of age. Approximately
69 percent (69.4%, n = 59) of these procedures were performed between 14 and 20 weeks
gestation and over 90 percent (90.59%, n = 77) were surgical procedures. Unlike maternal
medical conditions, the majority of procedures (84.71%, n = 72) were performed in clinics with
slightly more than 56 percent (n = 48) to residents of Maricopa county.
Table 9 on the following page presents maternal characteristics and fetal medical conditions
cited as reasons for obtaining an abortion.
Conditions reported once were categorized as “Other” and consisted of the following conditions:
cleft lip/palate, conjoined twins, fetal anomaly, hydrops, karyotype abnormality,
oligohydramnios, omphalocele, osteogenesis imperfect, phocomelia, skeletal anomaly, teratoma,
and twin abnormality.

24 | P a g e

Table 8. Maternal characteristics and corresponding medical conditions cited for obtaining an
abortion, Arizona residents, 2012

Maternal
Characteristics
Age
≤15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-44 yrs
Gestational age
≤13 weeks
14 to 20 weeks
21 weeks
Unknown
Procedure Type
Surgical
Non-Surgical
Facility Type
Hospital
Clinic

Count
(n = 34)

Percent

*
11
9
8
*

N/A
32.35
26.47
23.53
N/A

10
18
*
*

29.41
52.94
N/A
N/A

23
11

67.65
32.35

28
6

82.35
17.65

Maternal Medical Conditions
Anatomical Abnormality
*
N/A
Chorionic Abruption
*
N/A
Chorioamnionitis
*
N/A
Ectopic Pregnancy
*
N/A
Factor V Leiden
*
N/A
Retained Product of Conception/
9
26.47
Incomplete Abortion/
Blighted Ovum
*
N/A
Molar/Partial Pregnancy
Premature rupture of Membranes
*
N/A
Other/Unspecified
6
17.65
*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six
(6) reported cases.

25 | P a g e

Table 9. Maternal characteristics and fetal medical conditions cited for obtaining an abortion,
Arizona residents, 2012

Maternal
Characteristics
Age
≤15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-44 yrs
Gestational age
≤ 13 weeks
14 to 20 weeks
≥ 21 weeks
Procedure Type
Surgical
Non-Surgical/Medication
Facility Type
Hospital
Clinic

Count
(n = 85)

Percent

*
7
16
29
29

N/A
8.24
18.82
34.12
34.12

9
59
17

10.59
69.41
20.00

77
8

90.59
9.41

13
72

15.29
84.71

Fetal Medical Conditions
Anhydramnios
*
N/A
Brain or CNS Abnormality
8
9.41
Cardiac Defect
6
7.06
Cystic Hygroma
8
9.41
Lethal Anomalies
6
7.06
Multiple Anomalies
8
9.41
Trisomy
30
35.29
Urological abnormality
*
N/A
Other/Unspecified
13
15.29
*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than
six (6) reported cases.

26 | P a g e

3.2. Abortions by Gestational Age
Gestational age plays a critical role in abortion. Some evidence suggests that longer gestational
age is perhaps associated with abortion-related mortality.8 Table 10 provides an overview of the
gestational age of the fetus at the time of abortion for 2012.
The majority of abortions (65.79%) to resident women were performed at 8 weeks of gestation or
less. Ninety-five percent of abortions in Arizona were performed at 15 weeks of gestation or less.
It is evident from the table that slightly less than one-third (31.46%) of the abortions were
performed at six weeks of gestation, followed by approximately one-fifth (19.84%) at seven
weeks of gestation, and approximately fifteen percent (14.49%) at eight weeks of gestation.
About one percent (n = 124) of the abortions were performed at 21 weeks of gestation or greater,
a 12 percent decrease from the number performed in 2011. In 20 cases no gestational age was
reported.
Table 10. Distribution of gestational age at time of abortion, Arizona residents, 2012

Gestational Age
≤ 8 weeks
6 weeks
7 weeks
8 weeks
9 to 13 weeks
9 weeks
10 weeks
11 weeks
12 weeks
13 weeks
14 to 15 weeks
14 weeks
15 weeks
16 to 17 weeks
16 weeks
17 weeks
18 to 20 weeks
18 weeks
19 weeks
20 weeks
≥ 21 weeks
21 weeks
Unknown

Count
( N = 13,129)
8,637
4,130
2,605
1,902
3,374
1,195
798
688
359
334
479
259
220
261
133
128
234
102
70
62
124
124
20

Percent
65.79%
31.46%
19.84%
14.49%
25.70%
9.10%
6.08%
5.24%
2.73%
2.54%
3.65%
1.97%
1.68%
1.99%
1.01%
0.97%
1.78%
0.78%
0.53%
0.47%
0.94%
0.94%
0.15%
27 | P a g e

Table 11 presents the age distribution of resident women receiving an abortion and the
gestational age in weeks at the time of the abortion. It is evident that irrespective of age,
the majority of abortions were performed at gestational age of 13 weeks or less.
However, among women less than 15 years of age, approximately 17 percent of the abortions
(n = 8) were performed between 14 to 20 weeks of gestation. Similarly, among women 15 to 19
years of age, approximately 9 percent of the abortions (n = 151) were performed at 14 to 20
weeks of gestation, and just over one percent (n = 25) of the cases were performed at 21 weeks
of gestation or greater.
Table 11. Age distribution of resident women receiving abortions by gestational age at time of
abortion, 2012
Gestational Age
Age
<15 yrs
15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-39 yrs
>=40 yrs
Totals

≤13 weeks
Count Percent
38
79.17
1,314
88.19
3,968
92.00
3,014
92.03
2,007
92.11
1,157
92.56
512
92.59
12,010 91.62%

¶

14 to 20 weeks
Count Percent
8
16.67
151
10.13
307
7.12
233
7.11
154
7.07
82
6.56
39
7.05
974
7.43%

≥21 or more
Count Percent
*
N/A
25
1.68
38
0.88
28
0.85
18
0.83
11
0.88
*
N/A
124
0.95%

¶

Totals do not add to 13,129 due to 20 unknown and 1 missing gestational age.
*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.

Table 12 on the following page provides an overview of the association between gestational age
and method of abortion. Irrespective of gestational age, surgical procedure was the most utilized
method of abortion. In the majority of cases (n = 5,753, 73.34%) involving a surgical procedure,
suction curettage was most commonly used for abortions performed at gestation of 13 weeks or
less. For surgical abortions performed at 14 to 20 weeks of gestation, dilation and evacuation
(D&E) was the most commonly used procedure, accounting for approximately 82 percent (n =
794), followed by suction curettage which accounted for 14 percent (n = 136).
Use of non-surgical abortion procedures were similarly distributed, particularly among women
receiving abortions at 13 or fewer weeks gestation. Mifeprex and/or misoprostal (n = 3,357,
80.56%) and Cytotec and Mifeprex (n = 685, 16.43%) were the most commonly used
non-surgical procedures used to perform abortions at gestation of 13 weeks or fewer. Notably,
over 90 percent of all nonsurgical abortions are performed at gestational age 13 weeks or less.
28 | P a g e

Table 12. Method of abortion and gestational age, Arizona residents, 2012
¶

Method§

Surgical
Suction Curettage
Sharp Curettage (D&C)
Dialation and Evacuation (D&E)
Insertion/Laminaria
Hysterotomy/Hysterectomy
Insertion/Intra-amniotic (saline)
Insertion/Prostaglandin
Other procedure/Unknown
Non-surgical
Mifeprex and misoprostol
Cytotec & Mifeprex
Mifepristone (Mifeprex) and
misoprostol (Cytotec)
Cytotec and misoprostol
Other procedure/Unknown
¶

≤ 13 weeks
(n = 12,011 )
Count Percent

Gestational Age
14 to 20 weeks
(n = 974 )
Count Percent

≥ 21 weeks
(n = 124 )
Count Percent

5,753
1,076
951
46
*
*
*
11

73.34
13.72
12.12
0.59
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.14

136
19
794
*
0
0
7
*

14.12
1.97
82.45
N/A
0.00
0.00
0.73
N/A

*
0
104
*
0
0
*
*

N/A
0.00
92.04
N/A
0.00
0.00
N/A
N/A

3,357
685

80.56
16.44

0
0

0.00
0.00

0
0

0.00
0.00

99

2.38

0

0.00

0

0.00

25
*

0.60
N/A

8
*

72.73
N/A

8
*

72.73
N/A

In twenty (20) cases gestational age was reported as "Unknown".

§

Method of abortion was reported "Unknown" for one (1) case.
* An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.

3.3. Abortions by Patient County of Residence
Table 13 on the following page provides an overview of the number of abortions, live births,
abortion rates, and ratios by patient county of residence as well as border and non-border
regions. The border region consists of Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties. The
remaining counties are considered non-border counties.
The overall Arizona abortion rate in 2012 was 10.2 per 1,000 resident women between 15 and 44
years of age. Twelve out of 15 counties had abortion rates below the state rate. Greenlee (29.80
per 1,000 women), Maricopa (10.94 per 1,000 women), and Pima counties (11.31 per 1,000
women) exceeded the state rate. Similarly, 12 out of 15 counties had abortion ratios below the
state ratio (152.48 per 1,000 live births) while Greenlee (412.28 per 1,000 live births), Maricopa
(161.00 per 1,000 live births), and Pima counties (184.41 per 1,000 live births) exceeded the
overall state ratio.

29 | P a g e

When comparing border and non-border regions, the overall abortion rate for the border region
was 9.21 per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 44 compared to 9.64 per 1,000 women
between the ages of 15 and 44 in the non-border region. The overall abortion ratio for the border
region was 140.47 per 1,000 live births compared to 142.91 per 1,000 live births in the
non-border region. Both abortion rates and ratios for the border region were below the state
figures.
Table 13. Abortions, live births, rates, and ratios for resident females age 15 – 44 by patient
county of residence, 2012

Resident County
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
¥
Unknown

¶

Abortions
Count Percent
16
0.12
139
1.07
165
1.27
34
0.26
31
0.24
47
0.36
7
0.05
8,749
67.09
41
0.31
70
0.54
2,186
16.76
412
3.16
32
0.25
173
1.33
78
0.60
861
6.60

Live Births
Count Percent
926
1.08
1,699
1.99
1,685
1.97
608
0.71
524
0.61
114
0.13
204
0.24
54,343
63.54
1,731
2.02
1,631
1.91
11,854
13.86
4,645
5.43
669
0.78
1,778
2.08
3,113
3.64
1
0.00

Border region†
2,435
18.67
17,335
Non-border region
9,745
74.73
68,189
Arizona
13,041
100
85,524
¶
Residence indicates women's county of residence.

Abortion Rate ‡

Abortion Ratio§

1.21
6.21
5.29
4.55
4.50
29.80
2.90
10.94
1.40
3.72
11.31
5.91
3.45
5.76
1.98
N/A

17.28
81.81
97.92
55.92
59.16
412.28
34.31
161.00
23.69
42.92
184.41
88.70
47.83
97.30
25.06
N/A

9.21
9.64
10.23

140.47
142.91
152.48

20.27
79.73
100

†

Border region in Arizona include Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma.

‡

Number of abortions obtained per 1,000 women of child-bearing age (15-44 years of age).

§

Number of abortions obtained per 1,000 live births women of child-bearing age (15-44 years of age).

¥

Records submitted as Arizona residents without a county of residence selected. While the records are counted
as Arizona residents, counts were neither included in Border nor Non-Border region counts.

30 | P a g e

Table 14 displays the trends in abortions, rates, ratios, and percent change by county of residence
for 2002 – 2012. During 2002 – 2012, the number of abortions increased in 8 counties (Apache,
Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, Yavapai) and decreased in the remaining
seven (Cochise, Coconino, La Paz, Navajo, Pima, Santa Cruz, Yuma). The percent change in the
number of abortions in Arizona during 2002 – 2012 was 25.4 percent.
During 2002 – 2012, Greenlee (571%), Pinal (275%), and Mohave (273%) counties had the
highest percent change in the number of abortions. The high percentage changes in Mohave and
Greenlee counties may be due to the small number of cases (possibly under-reported in previous
years). Santa Cruz (-54%), Coconino (-31%), Cochise (-30.8%), and Yuma (-30.4%) saw a
decline in the number of abortions during this time period. The same pattern was true for the
abortion rates and ratios in counties showing an increased percent change. There were several
differences in the pattern for abortion ratios for counties showing a percentage decrease (this
may be attributable to the differences in the numbers of births per 1,000 women per county
and/or the number of women of childbearing age, 15 – 44 years, per county).

31 | P a g e

Table 14. Number of abortions, rates, and ratios for resident females age 15 – 44 by patient
county of residence, 2002 – 2012
Year
County of
Residence
Number of Abortions
ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
Unknown
Abortion Rates
ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
Abortion Ratio
ARIZONA
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma

% Change
2011 2006 2002
to
to
to
2012 2012 2010 2012

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

10,397
15
201
239
27
20
7
8
6,371
11
73
2,764
110
70
144
112
0

10,154
17
150
233
15
18
*
*
7,027
5
54
2,080
83
45
100
133
0

12,301
43
181
291
29
21
*
9
8,178
20
70
2,965
131
50
190
119
0

10,446
46
136
266
10
9
6
0
6,541
6
51
3,018
85
36
208
28
0

10,506
47
176
299
27
15
*
6
6,496
16
47
2,636
277
81
263
81
0

10,486
43
81
275
36
12
7
12
7,188
45
51
1,908
420
76
251
76
0

10,396
15
127
281
27
15
7
6
7,166
32
59
2,054
257
36
234
74
6

10,045
19
147
266
27
23
8
*
6,732
21
40
2,124
163
35
183
156
0

11,059
19
107
274
28
15
22
6
7,774
22
69
1,844
217
31
204
151
276

13,606
15
162
184
41
12
41
11
10,280
43
77
2,039
313
35
181
172
0

13,041
16
139
165
34
31
47
7
8,749
41
70
2,186
412
32
173
78
861

-4.2
6.7
-14.2
-10.3
-17.1
158.3
14.6
-36.4
-14.9
-4.7
-9.1
7.2
31.6
-8.6
-4.4
-54.7
NA

5.3
-59.6
-39.2
-8.4
3.7
0.0
N/A
0.0
19.7
37.5
46.8
-30.0
-21.7
-61.7
-22.4
86.4
NA

25.4
6.7
-30.8
-31.0
25.9
55.0
571.4
-12.5
37.3
272.7
-4.1
-20.9
274.5
-54.3
20.1
-30.4
NA

8.98
1.04
8.51
7.81
3.10
3.05
4.06
2.67
8.79
0.40
3.62
14.35
3.38
8.23
4.84
3.43

8.53
1.17
6.25
7.41
1.70
2.71
2.33
0.98
9.41
0.18
2.62
10.56
2.43
5.15
3.24
3.94

9.97
2.93
7.42
9.24
3.27
3.00
2.38
2.88
10.55
0.66
3.27
14.70
3.51
5.56
5.79
3.39

8.14
3.03
5.42
8.37
1.11
1.27
3.27
0.00
8.14
0.19
2.31
14.49
1.99
3.81
6.07
0.75

8.24
3.10
7.16
9.73
3.02
2.19
2.66
1.92
8.21
0.47
2.05
13.01
5.46
8.57
7.26
2.19

8.06
2.82
3.24
9.02
3.89
1.68
4.61
3.94
8.97
1.26
2.13
9.35
7.26
7.86
6.59
1.99

7.84
0.98
4.98
9.17
2.84
1.96
4.26
1.99
8.79
0.88
2.47
9.94
4.04
3.67
5.99
1.91

7.47
1.23
5.66
8.47
2.75
2.89
5.13
0.64
8.14
0.58
1.66
10.20
2.51
3.53
4.61
3.99

8.76
1.43
4.77
8.70
3.67
2.23
14.22
2.47
9.81
0.76
3.62
9.59
3.25
3.38
6.83
3.99

10.70
1.12
7.26
5.86
5.38
1.76
26.50
4.42
12.88
1.48
4.04
10.54
4.58
3.77
6.05
4.43

10.23
1.21
6.21
5.29
4.55
4.50
29.80
2.90
10.94
1.40
3.72
11.31
5.91
3.45
5.76
1.98

-4.4
8.2
-14.5
-9.8
-15.3
155.2
12.5
-34.5
-15.1
-5.2
-7.9
7.3
29.2
-8.3
-4.8
-55.3

6.4
-54.0
-33.4
-10.5
21.7
1.8
434.0
28.7
19.5
60.7
76.6
-26.3
-40.5
-60.5
-6.0
82.4

13.9
16.2
-27.0
-32.3
47.0
47.5
633.6
8.4
24.4
253.4
2.8
-21.2
75.0
-58.0
19.0
-42.1

119
14
118
128
118
128
39
35
113
6
45
222
41
92
75
37

112
14
85
121
22
42
46
14
119
2
32
163
28
57
54
42

132
32
100
144
43
47
39
39
135
9
39
228
43
62
95
36

109
36
77
129
15
20
61
0
105
3
27
233
23
46
98
9

103
40
97
145
41
28
36
26
98
7
25
189
62
108
111
24

102
37
44
129
52
21
51
52
109
19
25
138
80
99
104
23

105
12
71
142
39
23
53
24
114
14
30
152
45
45
106
22

109
15
80
140
38
36
62
12
117
10
21
165
31
46
89
48

127
17
60
154
42
28
210
30
143
11
40
152
44
45
112
47

160
14
97
104
66
20
345
64
193
22
47
172
68
50
99
54

153
17
82
98
56
59
412
34
161
24
43
184
89
48
97
25

-4.2
23.4
-16.0
-5.7
-15.4
198.8
19.7
-46.3
-16.4
8.1
-8.5
7.4
30.6
-5.2
-1.7
-53.4

23.3
-56.2
-38.2
6.5
3.2
1.8
475.5
14.5
46.0
67.7
58.8
-19.9
-29.8
-58.5
1.6
93.4

28.6
28.0
-30.4
-23.5
-52.4
-53.8
962.6
-1.4
43.1
330.6
-4.0
-16.9
117.9
-48.0
29.6
-31.4

†

§

†

Number of abortions obtained per 1,000 women from 15 - 44 years of age.

§

Number of abortions obtained per 1,000 live births to women from 15 - 44 years of age.

*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.

32 | P a g e

Table 15 displays the county of residence and age groups of women obtaining abortions in 2012.
The majority of the women resided in Maricopa county irrespective of age. Within Maricopa
county, the proportion of women age 30 years or older who obtained an abortion was slightly
higher (2,735/8,749 or 31%) than Pima county’s proportion (605/2,186 or 28%) of women age
30 years or older obtaining an abortion.
Table 15. Abortions by patient county of residence and age group, Arizona, 2012

County¶
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
Unknown

≤ 19 years
Count Percent
*
N/A
23
1.49%
20
1.30%
6
0.39%
8
0.52%
*
N/A
*
N/A
949
61.66%
*
N/A
8
0.52%
292
18.97%
74
4.81%
*
N/A
32
2.08%
15
0.97%
97
6.30%

20-29 years
Count
Percent
9
0.12%
68
0.89%
112
1.47%
20
0.26%
16
0.21%
28
0.37%
*
N/A
5,125
67.42%
25
0.33%
46
0.61%
1,298
17.07%
205
2.70%
15
0.20%
92
1.21%
45
0.59%
494
6.50%

≥ 30 years
Count Percent
6
0.15%
49
1.23%
34
0.85%
8
0.20%
9
0.23%
16
0.40%
*
N/A
2,735 68.60%
11
0.28%
18
0.45%
605
15.17%
138
3.46%
12
0.30%
52
1.30%
19
0.48%
273
6.85%

Border region†
335
21.77%
1,426
18.76%
685
17.18%
Non-border region
1,107
71.93%
5,678
74.69% 3027
75.92%
Arizona
1,539
100%
7,602
100%
3,985
100%
¶
Residence indicates patient county of residence. One (1) case county was not stated.
†

Border region includes Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties.

*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.

33 | P a g e

Table 16 displays the county of residence and the race and/or ethnicity of resident women who
obtained abortions in Arizona in 2012. As noted earlier, the majority of women reported either as
multiple race or unknown race, therefore race and ethnicity data for 2012 should be interpreted
cautiously.
Table 16. Abortions by patient county of residence and race and ethnicity, Arizona, 2012

County

Hispanic

White

Black or
African
American

*
38
13
10
9
19
0
2316
6
14
647
91
22
17
36
154

*
26
40
*
6
9
*
1,315
*
13
281
50
*
46
9
94

0
0
*
0
0
*
0
89
*
0
11
*
0
*
0
8

¶

Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
¥
Unknown County

743
318
11
Border region†
Non-border region
2,495
1,492
97
Arizona
3,393
1,904
116
¶
Residence indicates women's county of residence.

American
Indian or
Alaskan
Native

0
0
*
0
0
0
*
22
0
*
*
0
0
*
0
*
*
30
38

Asian or
Pacific
Islander

Multiple
Race Unknown

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
63
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
6

*
47
65
7
12
10
*
2028
8
23
438
93
*
55
13
179

10
29
43
12
6
7
*
2976
21
20
808
180
7
56
21
420

6
63
75

499
2,307
2,985

865
33,333
4,618

†

Border region in Arizona include Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma.

¥

Reports submitted as Arizona residents without a county of residence selected. The reports
are counted as Arizona residents, however counts were neither included in Border nor
Non-Border region counts.
*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases..

34 | P a g e

3.4. Complications Resulting from an Abortion
The way ADHS assesses and reports complications resulting from an abortion has changed over
time. Beginning in June 1976, as part of the required Report of an Induced Termination of
Pregnancy, providers reported to ADHS whether the patient was hospitalized for complications
occurring during the abortion procedure. Between 1982 and 2003 the ADHS annual Health
Status and Vital Statistics Report (HSVSR, Table D1-1) used provider-submitted reports to
tabulate the number of patients who received abortions and who were hospitalized for
complications. However, beginning with the 1986 data, the table of complications included only
Arizona residents. From 2004 to 2009 the ADHS HSVSR continued reporting general
characteristics of women receiving abortions but did not list the count of complications.
Beginning July 2010, Arizona Revised Statute §36-2162 established an abortion complication
reporting requirement. Healthcare professionals providing medical treatment to women
experiencing complications resulting from an abortion are required to submit reports to the
ADHS. The reports contain no personally identifiable data. In accordance with privacy rules and
standards outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), hospital
patient records are not accessible for public review. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind
the onset of symptoms may be delayed, therefore it is likely the provision of healthcare may
occur in an area other than the patients’ county of residence. As previously mentioned,
complication data reported on the complication report differs from the complication data
reported on the procedure report. Reports submitted in compliance with A.R.S. §36-2162 are for
complications occurring after an abortion is performed (i.e., excessive hemorrhaging hours or
days after leaving the facility where the abortion was performed) and are primarily submitted by
hospitals.
In 2012 there were a total of 76 reports of complications resulting from an abortion procedure
among Arizona resident women. Of reports including race and ethnicity (n = 29), approximately
55 percent (n = 16) were non-Hispanic White, followed by 15 percent (n = 12) Hispanic, and 3.4
percent (n = 1) African American. In approximately 62 percent (n = 47) of the cases, no race
and/or ethnicity information was available.
Table 17 on the following page lists key variables and characteristics of resident women who
experienced complications resulting from an abortion. Presented are descriptive statistics based
on analysis of complication reports submitted using the web-based reporting system.

35 | P a g e

Table 17. Complications resulting from an abortion for resident women, Arizona, 2012
Complications Resulting From an Abortion,
Resident Women
Age
<15 yrs
15-19 yrs
20-24 yrs
25-29 yrs
30-34 yrs
35-39 yrs
≥40 yrs
Gestational age
≤13 weeks
14 to 20 weeks
21 weeks
Unknown
Patient county of residence
Apache
Cochise
Coconino
Gila
Graham
Greenlee
La Paz
Maricopa
Mohave
Navajo
Pima
Pinal
Santa Cruz
Yavapai
Yuma
Unknown
Description of complications
639.0 Complicated by genital tract and pelvic infection
639.1 Complicated by delayed or excessive hemorrhage
639.2 Complicated by damage to pelvic organs
639.8 Other Specified complications§
§

639.9 Unspecified complications
Other complications¶
Unknown

Abortion Complications
Count
Percent
(n = 76)
*
6
25
22
10
8
*

*
7.89
32.89
28.95
13.16
10.53
*

49
*
*
22

64.47
*
*
28.95

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
55
*
*
13
*
*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
72.37
*
*
17.11
*
*
*
*
*

*
39
*
*

*
51.32
*
*

13
14
*

17.11
18.42
*

*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.
¶ Refers to complications associated/occurring with the abortion procedure but not the
direct cause of the primary complication
§
Refers to complications following elective abortions or ectopic and molar pregnancies.

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3.5 Petitions Filed with the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts
The Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts collects data in accordance with A.R.S. § 362163 subsection C, which relates to granting authorization to unemancipated minors to undergo
an abortion procedure without parental consent.
Following is the summary provided by the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts. The
dates of petitions filed range from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Although not specified
in statute, the total number of petitions issued an order are included for context. A total of 49
petitions were filed and 44 (90%) were issued an order authorizing an abortion (42 without
parental consent and 2 with parental consent). Please note, while a petition may be filed during a
specific period, resolution may be in the following period.
Table 18. Petitions filed in the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts
Reporting Category

Number of
petitions

1. Number of petitions filed pursuant to A.R.S.§ 36-2152 Subsection B

49

2. Of the petitions filed pursuant to A.R.S.§ 36-2152 Subsection B, the number in which the
judge appointed a guardian ad litem or court-appointed counsel for the minor pursuant to
A.R.S.§ 36-2152 Subsection D.
Note: An additional five (5) petitions were filed without an appointe guardian ad litem or
court appointed counsel, resulting in a total of 49 petitions filed.

44

3. Of the petitions filed pursuant to A.R.S.§ 36-2152 Subsection B, the number in which the
judge issued an order authorizing an abortion without parental consent.
Note : An additional two(2) petitions were issued with parental consent, resulting in a total
of 44 petitions issued.

42

4. Of the petitions filed pursuant to A.R.S.§ 36-2152 Subsection B, the number in which the
judge issued an order denying the petition.

*

5. Of the petitions denied, the number appealed to the court of appeals.

*

6. The number of those appeals that resulted in the denials being affirmed.

0

7. The number of those appeals that resulted in the denial being reversed.

*

*An asterisks indicates a suppressed cell containing fewer than six (6) reported cases.

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Conclusion
This 2012 Abortion Report provides a comprehensive overview of abortion in the State of
Arizona following the passage of SB1304. In addition to presenting comprehensive statistics
regarding incidence and prevalence of abortion in Arizona, the report also highlights the
importance of continued public health prevention messaging regarding unintended pregnancies
and the risks associated with abortion among women of child-bearing age, especially in the
adolescent teen population.
The implementation of A.R.S. §36-2161 thru §36-2163 provides a standardized data collection
system that improves data quality. Enhancments to the web-based reporting system and provider
training are ongoing, providing an accurate public reporting system that allows individual
providers to report abortions online through a secured web-based system.
Analysis of abortion data has numerous public health implications. Ongoing abortion
surveillance facilitates efforts to decrease and/or prevent unintended pregnancies. This report
provides a comprehensive overview of statistics about the incidence of abortion in Arizona,
however it is limited to descriptive data analysis. No attempt was made to formulate inferences
regarding the general population or sub-populations of women obtaining abortions in Arizona.
Because of differences in abortion data collection across time, trend comparisons should be
interpreted with care because of variation in provider reporting prior to 2010 and expanded
reporting requirements that went into effect July 2010. There are no data available to assess the
extent of underreporting of incidences.
The ADHS’ mission “To promote, protect, and improve the health and wellness of individuals
and communities in Arizona” includes abortion surveillance as one of the critically reported
Vital Statistics. The Arizona Department of Health Services is committed to improving the
health and wellness of all Arizonans.
This comprehensive annual abortion report is respectfully compiled and submitted for public
review in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute §36-2163 Subsection B.

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Appendix A – Abortion Reporting Forms

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Appendix B- Glossary
Abortion or induced termination of pregnancy (ITOP) – Abortion means the use of any
means to terminate the clinically diagnosable pregnancy of a woman with knowledge that the
termination by those means will cause, with reasonable likelihood, the death of the unborn child.
Abortion does not include birth control devices, oral contraceptives used to inhibit or prevent
ovulation, conception or the implantation of a fertilized ovum in the uterus or the use of any
means to save the life or preserve the health of the unborn child, to preserve the life or health
of the child after a live birth, to terminate an ectopic pregnancy, or to remove a dead fetus
(A.R.S. 36-2151).
Abortion rate – The number of abortions per 1,000 women aged 15 – 44 years or other specific
group within a given population.
Abortion ratio – The number of abortions per 1,000 live births within a given population. The
ratio reflects the relative number of pregnancies in a population that end in abortion compared to
live birth.
Birth or live birth – The complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a product of
human conception, irrespective of the duration of pregnancy which, after such expulsion or
extraction, breathes or shows any other evidence of life such as beating of the heart, pulsation of
the umbilical cord or definite movement of voluntary muscles, whether or not the umbilical cord
has been cut or the placenta is attached. Heartbeats are to be distinguished from transient cardiac
contractions; respirations are to be distinguished from fleeting respiratory efforts or gasps.
Epidemiology - Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease, injury,
and other health outcomes in human populations.
Gestational age – Gestational age means the age of the unborn child as calculated from the first
day of the last menstrual period of the pregnant woman.
Pregnancies – Pregnancies are the sum of live births, spontaneous terminations of pregnancy
(fetal deaths or stillbirths), and induced terminations of pregnancy (abortions).
Proportion – A proportion is a ratio in which those in the numerator are also in the
denominator.
Rate – A rate is a ratio in which those in the numerator are also in the denominator, and those in
the denominator are "at risk" of being in the numerator. The denominator is the sum of "at risk"
person-time or, by convention, the count of individuals "at risk" in a given time period.
Ratio – A ratio is any division of one number by another; the numerator and denominator do not
have to be mutually exclusive.

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Unemancipated minor – Unemancipated minor means a minor who is subject to the control,
authority, and supervision of his or her parents or guardians, as determined under State law (See
Title 42. The Public Health and Welfare; Chapter 6a USCS §300z-1).

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End notes
1. Extracted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Abortion Surveillance — United
States, 2009. MMWR 2012;61(8):1-46. Digital version available at
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6108a1.htm?s_cid=ss6108a1_w
2. SB1304 State of Arizona Senate Forty-Ninth Legislature Second Regular Session 2010.
http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1304p.pdf
3. Revisions to the Standards for the Classification of Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity:
Federal Register Notice. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg_1997standards/
accessed on July 16, 2012.
4. Abortion rate is essentially denoted as number of abortions per 1,000 women. Race specific
abortion rates are obtained by estimating the number of abortions (numerator) by women in a
given racial group per 1,000 women in that same racial group.
5. United States-México Border Health Commission. Border Region. Available at
http://www.borderhealth.org/border_region.php. Website. Accessed on July 16, 2012.
6. Ancel Pierre-Yevel et al., History of induced abortion as a risk factor for preterm birth in
European countries: results of the EUROPOP survey. Human Reproduction, 2004, 19(3):734740.
7. Shah P, Zao J. Induced termination of pregnancy and low birthweight and preterm birth: a
systematic review and meta-analyses. BJOG 2009;116:1425–1442.
8. Bartlett LA et al., Risk factors for legal induced abortion-related mortality in the United
States, Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2004, 103(4):729–737.

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