In brief
Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that infant mortality rates have surged in states that have imposed abortion bans, signaling a regression in public health progress.
Infant mortality rates have escalated in numerous U.S. states implementing abortion bans following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. A new study indicates that approximately 478 infant deaths could have been averted across 14 states enacting bans or significant restrictions after six weeks of pregnancy. Alison Gemmill, one of the study’s co-leaders, highlighted that these "restrictive abortion policies" could be "reversing decades of progress" made in reducing infant mortality in the nation.The landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court undid the long-standing legal precedent that had ensured women’s constitutional rights to terminate pregnancies until around the 24th week, the point of fetal viability. Conducted by researchers from Johns Hopkins, the study uncovered an alarming increase in mortality rates, particularly among infants born with congenital defects and specific demographics at heightened risk, such as Black infants, those with unmarried parents, younger mothers, and individuals lacking a college education—predominantly in southern states.Currently, 17 states have banned nearly all forms of abortion, with some narrow exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or maternal health concerns. The total ban includes states like Idaho, Alabama, and Texas, while others impose limitations after six to 18 weeks.According to the study's findings, the infant mortality rate in states with strict abortion laws rose to 6.26 deaths per 1,000 live births, surpassing the expected rate of 5.93 per 1,000—a 5.6% increase. Notably, deaths from congenital anomalies climbed from an anticipated 1.24 per 1,000 live births to 1.37 per 1,000, marking a 10.87% rise. Non-Hispanic Black infants faced an increased mortality rate of 11.81 per 1,000, compared to the expected 10.66 per 1,000, reflecting nearly an 11% increase.The research suggests that increases in infant deaths from congenital issues relate to women being denied abortions in cases of non-viable pregnancies, while the growth in fatalities from other causes remains more ambiguous. The findings also imply heightened risks for disadvantaged populations already facing elevated infant mortality rates and delays in healthcare access.Additional research from Johns Hopkins indicates that states with abortion bans have seen a 1.7% spike in fertility rates, translating to approximately 22,180 additional births per 1,000 reproductive-aged females since the Roe v. Wade overturning, predominantly in areas with poor maternal and child health outcomes.
