There's no doubt about it- abortion is one of the most important issues on the minds of Christian conservatives in America. This is so much the case that the Republican Party (which is currently dominated by pro-life candidates) gets a great deal of support from Christians.

The rationale is simple: Christians don't want to have blood on their hands by voting for someone who is pro-choice.

This is an understandable position. Christians feel like they can sleep at night by voting for candidates that are pro-life, even if the abortion laws don't change. But which is more important: being pro-life or lowering the abortion rate? Is there a difference? Let's start with a fundamental question.

Why do women get abortions?

Between 2008-2010, Biomed Central conducted a study of 1,000 women who were getting abortions and asked them why. The results were interesting:

Women’s reasons for seeking an abortion fell into 11 broad themes. The predominant themes identified as reasons for seeking abortion included financial reasons (40%), timing (36%), partner related reasons (31%), and the need to focus on other children (29%). Most women reported multiple reasons for seeking an abortion crossing over several themes (64%).

The number one reason women gave were financial. It's worth noting that 40% of women who have abortions are below the poverty line. Take a look at this short overview of the women in America who are having abortions: