As one who proudly stands for the sanctity of human life, I was initially very encouraged when I read the article in The Augusta Chronicle titled "Number of abortions lowest since 1974" (Jan. 18). However, there is reason to question the accuracy of the data.

- The Centers for Disease Control stopped the requirement for reporting surgical abortions in 1997. Were these abortions included in the article?

- What about the use of the new chemical RU-486, which is available and being used for abortions up to eight weeks' gestation, and the new "morning after pill"? These are two new techniques with growing popularity that lead to the same result -- a dead baby, an aborted child. Were these numbers included in the article?

- The Guttmacher Institute generates most of the numbers we see in the media. They are an affiliate of the No. 1 abortion mill in this country, Planned Parenthood. This, in itself, makes the numbers reported questionable.

If readers are wondering why Guttmacher would not strive for accurate data, consider this: In 2006, Planned Parenthood received taxpayer funding of $305.3 million for what they called the prevention of pregnancy and women's health problems. It is apparent that if the taxpayer funding is to continue, they have to illustrate success by dropping the abortion requirements in order to show their "program" a success.

All who support the sanctity of human life must continue to pray that the number of abortions will truly decrease, and eventually end, as a result of changed hearts, higher morality and a renewed value for all human life in our nation.

May I also encourage your readers to visit www.personhood.net and truly get involved in making this vision, this prayer a reality. It is time to take action. It is time for America to bless God!

Gail Sikes, Grovetown