Abortion Bans and the Rise in Infant Mortality: A Growing Health Crisis in the U.S.
The Rise in Births and Infant Mortality
Abortion bans in the United States have led to a concerning increase in birth rates and infant mortality, particularly in high-risk populations. According to a study published in the medical journal JAMA, states that implemented complete or 6-week abortion bans after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision saw a 1.7% increase in fertility rates. This translates to approximately one additional birth for every 1,000 women of reproductive age. However, the rise in infant mortality is even more alarming, with a nearly 6% increase in these states. The infant mortality rate for births linked to abortion bans is approximately 24 deaths per 1,000 births, four times higher than expected. These findings suggest that the additional births resulting from abortion restrictions are disproportionately occurring among vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health disparities.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The burden of abortion bans falls heaviest on marginalized groups, including Black and minority women, Medicaid beneficiaries, and those with lower socioeconomic status. These groups experienced the largest increases in fertility rates and saw a significant surge in infant mortality. For instance, Black babies experienced a nearly 11% increase in deaths, more than any other racial or ethnic group. Researchers emphasize that these findings highlight the compounding effects of abortion restrictions on already vulnerable populations. "Abortion bans are associated with excess births that shift the composition of births toward those at higher risk of infant death," the study concludes. This underscores the harsh reality that restrictive abortion policies disproportionately harm those who already face systemic barriers to healthcare.
The Role of Congenital Anomalies in Infant Mortality
The research also reveals a significant increase in infant deaths due to congenital anomalies in states with abortion bans. Congenital anomalies, which can range from mild to severe, often affect critical systems like the heart or spine. In some cases, these anomalies are lethal, and infants may only survive a short time after birth. The study found an 11% increase in infant mortality due to such conditions, suggesting that many women are being forced to carry pregnancies with severe anomalies to term. While some states allow exceptions for fetal anomalies, the researchers caution that these exceptions are insufficient to offset the broader negative impacts of abortion bans on infant health. This highlights the tragic consequences of restricting access to abortion, as women are left with little choice but to continue pregnancies that may have devastating outcomes.
Broader Implications and Structural Disadvantages
Experts warn that the rise in infant mortality is likely only the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to the consequences of abortion bans. Many pregnancies that would have been terminated due to health risks or other complications are now being carried to term, leading to a range of poor outcomes for both mothers and babies. Dr. Suzanne Bell, a co-author of the study, notes that these findings demonstrate how abortion restrictions compound existing poor health outcomes and disparities by imposing barriers to reproductive autonomy. This is particularly evident in states with already poor maternal and child health outcomes. For example, a recent CDC report showed that Black women were the only group to experience an increase in maternal mortality between 2022 and 2023, with a rate nearly three times higher than other groups.
The Case of Texas: A Microcosm of the Crisis
Texas stands out as a state particularly hard hit by the consequences of abortion bans. The study found that Texas accounted for about three-quarters of the additional births and 80% of the additional infant deaths linked to abortion restrictions. Several factors may contribute to this disparity, including the state’s early adoption of restrictive abortion laws, such as Senate Bill 8, and the long distances many women must travel to access out-of-state abortion services. These barriers disproportionately affect low-income women and women of color, who already face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The outsized impact of Texas highlights the urgent need for policymakers to address the systemic inequalities exacerbated by abortion bans.
A Call to Action for Policy Change
The findings of this research serve as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of restricting abortion access. As Dr. Alyssa Bilinski, an assistant professor of health policy at Brown University, notes in a commentary accompanying the study, "abortion restrictions that force continuation of unexpected and high-risk pregnancies make it all the more critical to ensure robust supports for children and families." She emphasizes that there should be no partisan divide over the idea that all children and families deserve the opportunity to thrive. The researchers and experts call for comprehensive policy changes to address the root causes of these disparities, including expanding access to healthcare, reducing barriers to abortion, and providing adequate support for families. Ultimately, the data paints a clear picture: abortion bans are not only a moral issue but also a public health crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
