As Economy Tanks, Women Flock to Clinics

By Mat Probasco, Newser Staff

Posted May 20, 2009 10:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – In this tough economy, requests for long-term contraceptives and abortions have spiked at family planning clinics, reports the Los Angeles Times. Planned Parenthood of LA County has seen its caseload jump 15% in just a year, and requests for IUDs nearly doubled in the first quarter compared to a year ago. A recent Gallup poll showed a correlation between finances and family planning.

"Women are really having to make thoughtful decisions whether now is the right time to get pregnant," said the head of an organization that assists poor women who need reproductive healthcare.

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The sagging economy has many women flocking to public health clinics for long-term contraceptives or abortions. (©azbarkmans)

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"We are seeing women ... who in another economy would probably have their second or third child, but now can't because they feel so insecure about maintaining their job or losing a job."
- Destiny Lopez, executive director of ACCESS in Oakland

"We are seeing poor women get poorer and we're also seeing low-wage women become poor."
- Stephanie Poggi, executive director of the National Network of Abortion Funds

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