In brief
Research conducted by Johns Hopkins indicates that states with abortion restrictions are experiencing significant spikes in infant deaths, particularly among already vulnerable populations.
Infant mortality rates have shown a concerning upward trend in U.S. states that have instituted abortion bans, according to a new study that underscores significant health implications following the overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 2022. The research estimates that approximately 478 infant deaths across 14 states with strict regulations after six weeks of pregnancy could have been prevented if the bans hadn't been enacted.Alison Gemmill, one of the study's co-leaders, warned that "restrictive abortion policies" threaten to undo years of progress in decreasing infant mortality rates in the country. The Supreme Court's decision, which dismantled the constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy up until around the 24th week of gestation, has led to increased risks for particularly vulnerable populations, including Black infants and parents in various socioeconomic groups.As of January 2025, 17 states have imposed nearly total bans on abortion, with some exceptions for rape, incest, or maternal health. The states enforcing these bans include Idaho, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas, among others. States like Florida and Georgia have instituted bans post six weeks, while others have limitations at 12 or 18 weeks.The research found a rise in infant mortality rates, which escalated to 6.26 deaths per 1,000 live births in states with bans, surpassing the expected rate of 5.93 deaths per 1,000, signifying a 5.6% relative increase. Notably, the rate of infant deaths connected to congenital issues climbed from an anticipated 1.24 per 1,000 to 1.37 per 1,000—a drastic 10.87% rise. Additionally, a rise in mortality from other causes was observed, with rates moving from an expected 4.69 to 4.89 per 1,000 live births.The disparities in health outcomes were pointed out among non-Hispanic Black infants, where the mortality rate reached 11.81 deaths per 1,000 live births—almost an 11% increase compared to expected figures. Researchers noted the troubling trend of higher infant mortality linked to denied abortions for pregnancies classified as non-viable, further complicating the narrative around the increase in overall mortality rates.The study indicates that abortion bans disproportionately affect already disadvantaged populations, exacerbating existing healthcare delays. In addition, parallel research from the same institution ties the bans to a rise in fertility rates, showing a 1.7% increase in births per 1,000 women of reproductive age—an uptick that primarily manifested in states with dire maternal and child health challenges.With the landscape of abortion access shifting dramatically post-Roe v. Wade, the implications for infant mortality and maternal healthcare are becoming increasingly dire, highlighting the urgent need for policy reassessment in affected states.
