In Italy, the number of voluntary abortions has decreased by more than two-thirds, thanks in part to Law 194 passed over 45 years ago. In 1983, there were 18 voluntary pregnancy terminations per thousand women of reproductive age; today, there are five. Voluntary abortion in Italy is among the lowest in Western countries, yet it remains somewhat prevalent among immigrant women. Prior to the passage of Law 194, it was estimated that up to 200,000 clandestine abortions occurred each year; presently, there are only 10,000. The law is effective not because it decriminalizes abortion, but because it often prevents it. A total of 58,000 interviews were conducted in public counseling centres over the course of one year; 38,000 women were granted certificates authorizing abortion, while 20,000 women abandoned the process following the interview. Both goals, to reduce abortions and bring them out of hiding, have been met. The growing popularity of contraception, particularly the half a million "morning-after pills" sold each year, has undoubtedly played a significant role. Contraceptive use increases with education, and hence appears to be the most effective counter to abortion.
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