Today's New York Times has a "ground-level" view of abortion. The article manages to clear up some misconceptions about falling abortion rates.

"While abortion rates have been falling generally since 1990, the decline has been steepest among teenagers, and rates are lowest among educated, financially secure women.

Conversely, for poor and low-income women, rates increased during the 1990's, possibly in response to the 1996 welfare overhaul, which reduced support systems for women who carry their fetuses to term.

Which is why I find it appalling that the same politicians who claim to be against abortion are the same ones who continually vote against child care subsidies for welfare recipients.

The article also illustrates how increasing abortion restrictions-- whether it be parental consent, waiting periods, or overly stringent clinic licensing laws-- inflict further financial harm on women who are already in low income brackets, and only serve to delay (rather than prevent) many abortions.

In addition, the descriptions of why the women chose abortion demonstrate how people who are "pro-life" often change their minds when faced with an unwanted pregnancy themselves.

Take it from Leah, 26, who said she does not earn enough money to support a child:
"I always said I would never, ever have an abortion," she said... Afterward, in a recovery area, she said she was less shaken than she had expected. "I thought I'd be crying," she said. "I feel goofy now, but not in a bad way. I feel relieved more than anything."

Or from Tammy, who was in the clinic for her second abortion:
"I know it's against God," she said of her abortion. "But you have three kids, you want to raise them good."

Even though they believe abortion is wrong, they're still exercising their right to have the procedure. Clinic director Ann Osborne says, "I very often hear, 'I don't believe in this, but my situation is different."

The abortion-rights movement needs to do a better job of reaching out to women like Leah and Tammy. I'm not saying we should start referring to abortion as a tragedy. But if we can effectively convey to these women that the right to an abortion is what counts, maybe they would start voting for pro-choice candidates.

For more first-hand stories from the abortion front lines, visit the Abortion Clinic Days blog.