Study Reveals Surge in Infant Mortality Rates in States with Abortion Bans

A recent study highlights that US states with strict abortion regulations have experienced increased infant mortality rates, particularly impacting vulnerable populations. Researchers emphasize the dire consequences of restrictive abortion policies on child health.

Infant mortality rates have notably surged in US states that have imposed abortion bans following the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a recent study has revealed. Researchers estimate that around 478 infant deaths occurred across 14 states with prohibitive abortion regulations after the six-week mark, attributing these losses to the impact of such bans. Alison Gemmill, one of the co-leaders of the study, cautioned that "restrictive abortion policies" risk reversing significant gains made in the fight against infant mortality in the United States.

The study was conducted by experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and published this week, asserting that mortality rates among infants born with congenital conditions have escalated, particularly in demographics that already face elevated health risks. This includes Black infants as well as babies born to unmarried, younger parents, those without higher education, and families residing in southern states.

Currently, 17 states have banned nearly all forms of abortion, with some allowing limited exceptions for cases like rape, incest, or threats to maternal health. States enforcing total bans include Idaho, Alabama, and Texas, while others such as Florida and Georgia restrict abortions after a six-week pregnancy. The rates of infant mortality in these states have surged to 6.26 per 1,000 live births, surpassing the anticipated rate of 5.93 – a 5.6% rise. The number of infant deaths attributed to congenital anomalies has risen from an expected 1.24 per 1,000 live births to 1.37 – marking a 10.87% increase.

Among non-Hispanic Black infants, mortality rates escalated to 11.81 per 1,000 live births after the ban, compared to an expected rate of 10.66, indicating an almost 11% increase. Researchers noted that the surge in deaths from congenital malformations correlates with denied abortions for pregnancies deemed non-viable, while the rise in deaths from non-congenital causes presents a more complex scenario.

The research pointed out that these bans are disproportionately affecting underprivileged populations who already struggle with higher infant mortality rates and delayed medical care access. Additionally, a separate study by the Johns Hopkins team found that abortion restrictions corresponded with an increase in fertility rates. Post-Roe v. Wade, the birth rate among reproductive-age females in the impacted states climbed by 1.7%, translating to approximately 22,180 additional births, particularly in states already facing poor maternal and child health outcomes.