In her new book, Unplanned, pro-lifer Abby Johnson exposes the reality of abortion she once witnessed as the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas.

Johnson left the abortion business in 2009 after witnessing a fetus respond to an ultrasound-guided abortion.

"I saw a 13 week old baby recoil and flee from the ultrasound probe," she told CBN News.

Planned Parenthood had led her and other patients to believe that a fetus could not feel pain or have sensory development until 28 weeks.

"After that, I knew I had to make a change in my life," Johnson added.

Abby Johnson spoke with CBN News Reporter Wendy Griffith in depth about her experiences before and after her departure from Planned Parenthood. She talks about her renewed relationship with God and even her own decision to have an abortion years ago. Click play to watch this exclusive extended web-only interview.

Abortion Rate Increases

Meanwhile, new reports revealed the number of abortions in America increased slightly last year after falling for nearly two decades. Analysts say the rise could be economically related.

"Abortion numbers go down when the economy is good and go up when the economy is bad, so the stalling may be a function of a weaker economy," said University of Alabama political science professor Michael New. "If the economy does better, you'll see numbers trending down again."

Johnson agrees.

"I think that women feel like, 'how am I going to have enough money to raise this baby,'" she explained. "The easier solution is just to terminate the pregnancy, and pay that one time fee, and then I don't have the expense of raising a child later."

It is estimated there were more than 1.2 million abortions in 2008. That figure was up slightly from 2005.

The numbers varied sharply by state with rates over 30 percent in Delaware, New York, and New Jersey and at or below 6 percent in states with stricter abortion laws.

Abortion has become one of the most common surgical procedures in America.