Here on the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion, pro-lifers have something to celebrate: The closing of the nation’s 1,500th abortion clinic, 

In 1991 there were 2,176 surgical abortion clinics nationwide; today there are 660 and falling. Over 1,500 abortion clinics, or 70 percent, have closed their doors for good.

In 2012, an average of seven abortion clinics closed each month. 

Abortion has been legal for 40 years this month, and 57 million babies have paid with their lives, but the pro-life movement has had some significant progress. 

Five states; Arkansas, Mississippi, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, have only one clinic each. 

The city of Chattanooga has no abortion clinic. Pro-lifers closed the last clinic 20 years ago. It is the largest city in the nation without an abortion clinic. So for more than half of the 40 years in which abortion has been legal, here is one city that is abortion-free. 

Chattanooga is an abortion-free city done right. One of the former abortionists Thomas J. Brooks, MD, told the local newspaper, “I think the pro-lifers here have been very responsible.  They have used political, economic and social pressure to push their agenda, not violence.” – Chattanooga Times, 2/27/95 

Overall abortions are down 25 percent from 1.6 million in 1990 to 1.2 million since 2005.

American Rights Coalition is an organization that helps women who are having physical and emotional problems after abortion. Charles Wysong, president and founder said, “We began to notice a steady decline in both clinics and abortions after we began helping injured women sue abortion clinics for malpractice in 1986.” 

“There are a number of reasons for the decline: malpractice lawsuits, health code violations, criminal prosecutions of either the abortionist or the clinic and disciplinary actions. When state officials discover how these clinics are being operated and how women are treated there, they have generally taken strong action and have closed many of them.” Mr. Wysong said.

“And again, doctors began finding that while abortion may be legal, malpractice is not. And with accountability many doctors quit or never entered the abortion practice.” Mr. Wysong said. 

Operation Rescue, a leading pro-life organization, keeps information on all abortion clinic closings on their website.