By AP / KWMU
Springfield, IL – The 41,577 abortions in Illinois last year mark a 2% decrease from 2003.
According to Illinois Department of Public Health records, it's the fewest number of abortions in the state since 1973, when abortions became legal in the U.S.
There are three years where figures are incomplete or not available.
Anti-abortion groups say the decrease in 2004 means abstinence programs aimed at teens are working.
Abortion rights advocates attribute the drop to greater access to contraception, including the so-called morning-after pill.