Planned Parenthood’s Alan Guttmacher Institute published a report yesterday claiming that the number of babies killed through abortion declined to 1.2 million in 2005 – the latest year for which full numbers across the country are available. That is down from a national high of 1.6 million babies in 1990.

In fact, it is the lowest death count since 1976.

Planned Parenthood spinmeisters immediately lurched to claim credit: “This study shows that prevention works, and that’s what we provide in our health centers every day,” says PP President Cecile Richards in a Yahoo News article published yesterday.

Pro-Life groups naturally contended that efforts to save babies during the past 35 years have had an effect: legislation, pro-Life pregnancy centers, prayer vigils and intensified promotion of abstinence programs during the past decade.

The Guttmacher study also found that the number of abortion providers declined from 2000 to 2005.

The 25% drop in the number of abortions represents a substantial drop in income for the Abortion Industry, led by Planned Parenthood. If the trends hold, they are losing some $190 million annually; which may explain why Planned Parenthood is pushing expansion of federal aid and the Morning After Pill with such desperation.

If the numbers are accurate, we have much for which to give thanks. The Lord has spared the lives of millions of babies over the last several years.