Infant Mortality Rates Surge in States with Abortion Restrictions

New research indicates that states in the U.S. that have enacted strict abortion bans have experienced a significant increase in infant mortality rates. Findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveal that within the first 18 months following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, states enforcing complete or near-total abortion bans after six weeks of pregnancy saw an overall rise of 6% in infant death rates.

This statistic translates to an estimated additional 478 infant deaths beyond what was previously anticipated based on historical trends. The most affected demographic includes non-Hispanic Black infants, whose death rates rose by 11%. The research team, led by experts from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, has noted an alarming increase in the incidence of babies born with severe birth defects, which could have been prevented with access to abortion services.

According to Alyssa Bilinski, a health policy professor at Brown University, the populations most likely to experience unintended pregnancies due to these bans are also those who typically face higher infant mortality rates for various socioeconomic reasons. The research identified that the most pronounced increases in infant deaths occurred in Southern states, particularly Texas, which alone recorded a 9.4% rise in infant mortality rates. Texas had already imposed a stringent abortion ban in 2021, well ahead of the Dobbs decision.

Of the reported additional infant deaths, nearly all were concentrated in Texas, which has a much larger population than other states with similar bans, according to co-author Suzanne Bell. Other states with notable increases in infant mortality included Kentucky, where rates rose by 8.6%, Alabama with a 6.9% increase, and Oklahoma, which saw a 5.1% uptick.

Moreover, states with these abortion restrictions exhibited a 1.7% higher-than-expected birthrate, resulting in approximately 22,180 additional births compared to prior trends. While some may perceive this birthrate increase as insignificant, experts argue it is substantial, surpassing the 1.4% rise observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, not all states with abortion bans reported increases in infant mortality. For instance, Louisiana's rates remained stable, while Idaho, Missouri, West Virginia, and Wisconsin experienced declines. Researchers suggest that expanded access to abortion in nearby states such as Illinois and Maryland may have mitigated the impact in these areas.

The study highlights the disproportionate impact of abortion bans on low-income communities and communities of color, where the risks associated with maternal and infant health are already elevated. Caitlin Myers, a researcher from Middlebury College, emphasized that restricting abortion access exacerbates inequalities in healthcare.

In contrast, representatives from anti-abortion organizations have framed the rise in birth rates as a positive outcome, claiming that the additional children represent lives saved from abortion. Dr. Donna Harrison, director of research at the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated that those opposing the findings may not genuinely be concerned about infant mortality but rather advocate for earlier terminations.

The authors of the study stress the importance of developing stronger maternal and child health policies in states with abortion bans. Bilinski highlighted that the goal should be to reduce infant mortality, which is often preventable. She noted that if more individuals who did not intend to become parents are facing parenthood, it is crucial to consider how best to support these families effectively.