The number of abortions performed in the U.S. state of Illinois reached a 10-year high in 2008, local press reported Saturday.

According to experts, the uptick could be due to the state's flagging economy and to the first full year of operation of a new clinic offering abortion services in Aurora, about 80 kilometers southwest of Chicago.

The Illinois Public Health Department said that in 2008, 47,717abortions were performed statewide, showing a 5 percent increase from 2007. And it's the most abortions in Illinois in a year since1998, when 49,403 women were reported to have had abortions.

The state's main provider of abortion services has heard from its clients that the economy is a factor in their decisions, said Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Council's Chicago area chapter.

"When couples are facing an unintended pregnancy and have to make a decision whether they want to carry pregnancy to term and have another child, they'll factor economic circumstance into the decision," Trombley said. Enditem