In brief
A recent study from Johns Hopkins University indicates that infant mortality rates have increased in states with strict abortion bans, suggesting a direct correlation between these policies and adverse health outcomes for infants.
Infant mortality rates have risen in multiple US states that have enforced abortion bans in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reported that approximately 478 infant deaths could be attributed to the restrictive laws across 14 states that impose bans or heavy restrictions after six weeks of pregnancy. Alison Gemmill, a co-author of the study, expressed concern that such "restrictive abortion policies" could undo decades of progress in lowering infant mortality in the US.The analysis found that mortality rates had risen for infants born with congenital issues, as well as among demographics with pre-existing higher rates of infant death, including Black infants and those born to unmarried or younger parents. As of January 2025, 17 states have nearly outlawed abortions, maintaining only limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or maternal health concerns. States such as Idaho, Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas have implemented total bans, while others restrict procedures after six weeks.Following these new laws, the research showed a jump in overall infant mortality rates to 6.26 per 1,000 live births, from an expected rate of 5.93 per 1,000, marking a significant 5.6% increase. The study also noted that infant deaths linked to congenital anomalies have surged from an anticipated 1.24 per 1,000 live births to 1.37, indicating a relative rise of nearly 11%. The mortality rate for causes unrelated to congenital issues increased by 4.23%.For non-Hispanic Black infants, the data unveiled a rise to 11.81 deaths per 1,000 live births post-ban, surpassing the expected rate of 10.66. This troubling trend suggests that the bans have affected women unable to terminate non-viable pregnancies, which often result in fetal demise. Researchers also highlighted that the negative impact of these policies might be disproportionately felt by already vulnerable populations facing higher infant mortality rates due to delayed medical care.Corroborating findings from Johns Hopkins also indicate that these restrictions are linked to an increase in fertility rates. States that enacted abortion bans observed a 1.7% rise in the number of births per 1,000 reproductive-aged women, equating to approximately 22,180 additional births. The largest increases were present in states already struggling with poor maternal and child health outcomes.
