Researchers have identified a troubling trend in U.S. states that have recently enacted abortion bans: an increase in infant mortality rates. The bans, which took effect between September 2021 and August 2022 in 14 states, have led to a 5.6% rise in infant deaths. States such as Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, and Georgia are among those affected. The study highlights the disproportionate impact on Black children and those with congenital anomalies.
The comprehensive analysis reviewed data from all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C., focusing on live births and infant deaths from 2012 to 2023. States that implemented total abortion bans or restricted abortions after six weeks showed a notable increase in infant mortality. The research points to the increased number of women forced to carry non-viable pregnancies to term as a contributing factor.
"When we're thinking about policies, it's important to think about these negative effects and what happens when we limit reproductive autonomy," said Alison Gemmill, the study's lead author.
Groups that historically face higher barriers to abortion care, such as racial minorities and individuals with lower educational levels, were most affected. The death rates for children with congenital anomalies rose by approximately 11%. The study estimates that the abortion bans have resulted in 478 additional infant deaths.
Geography appears to play a significant role in these outcomes. Many of the affected states are surrounded by others with similar restrictive abortion laws, compounding access issues. For instance, Southern states like Texas, Kentucky, and Alabama reported particularly high infant mortality rates.
"This makes for a strong case for why abortion should be a decision made between a woman, her physician and, in the case of a congenital anomaly, also a genetic counselor," Gemmill emphasized.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) on February 13, 2023, have sparked discussions on the need for more nuanced policies. There is concern that stricter abortion laws or a potential national ban could exacerbate the situation.
"Ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive is a shared objective that transcends partisan lines," commented Alyssa Bilinski. "Thoughtful, family-oriented policy can both help to address the harms raised in these studies and foster a healthier and more equitable society for all."
The increase in death rates was significantly higher among Black infants—around 11% more than other racial groups. This disparity underscores the broader challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing reproductive health services.
The study advocates for policies that consider the broader implications of limiting reproductive rights. It emphasizes that decisions regarding abortion should involve medical professionals and take into account individual circumstances such as congenital anomalies.
"Even amidst heated national abortion debates, there remains much room for agreement," Bilinski noted.
