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

A recent study has found that infant mortality rates have increased in U.S. states that have implemented abortion bans or restrictive laws. Researchers estimate that 478 additional infant deaths occurred across 14 states with outright bans or heavy restrictions, attributing these deaths to the passage of these laws. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 2022, which previously ensured abortion up to fetal viability as a national right, individual states gained the authority to determine their own abortion policies. As of January 2025, 17 states have enacted near-total bans on abortion, with some exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or maternal health risks.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, revealed a 5.6% relative increase in infant mortality rates in states with restrictive abortion laws. The mortality rate climbed to 6.26 per 1,000 live births, compared to an expected rate of 5.93 per 1,000. The rise was particularly pronounced among vulnerable populations, including Black infants, babies born to unmarried or younger parents, and those in southern states. Non-Hispanic Black infants experienced an 11% increase in mortality rates, from 10.66 to 11.81 deaths per 1,000 live births. Additionally, there was a notable 10.87% increase in infant deaths due to congenital malformations, rising from an expected 1.24 per 1,000 live births to 1.37 per 1,000. Deaths from non-congenital causes also increased by 4.23%, from 4.69 to 4.89 per 1,000 live births.

Alison Gemmill, co-leader of the study, warned that “restrictive abortion policies could be reversing decades of progress in reducing infant deaths across the U.S.” Sarah Corning, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), highlighted the impact on healthcare providers and patients, noting that OBGYNs are leaving states like Texas due to restrictive laws that hinder patient care. States with near-total bans include Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and South Carolina ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, while Nebraska and North Carolina impose bans after 12 weeks, and Utah enforces a ban at 18 weeks.

The study also linked abortion bans to increased fertility rates, with affected states experiencing a 1.7% rise in births per 1,000 reproductive-aged females—equivalent to an additional 22,180 births. The highest increases were observed in states with the worst maternal and child health outcomes. These findings underscore the far-reaching consequences of restrictive abortion laws on public health, particularly for marginalized communities. Advocates and researchers are calling for policy reforms to address the growing disparities and protect maternal and infant health.

This critical issue highlights the need for comprehensive policies that prioritize the health and safety of both mothers and infants, ensuring that all individuals receive the care they deserve without unnecessary barriers.

The news is also published on BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d9z853jndo