A NEW study has revealed that US states implementing complete or six-week abortion bans have experienced a higher-than-expected rise in infant mortality rates. The research found that after the bans took effect, infant mortality increased by 5.6%, with disproportionate impacts on Black infants, those born with congenital anomalies, and infants in southern states.
The study analysed national birth and infant death records from 2012 to 2023, using statistical modelling to compare states that enacted abortion bans with those that did not. The results indicated that states with bans saw an average infant mortality rate of 6.26 per 1,000 live births, compared to an expected 5.93 per 1,000 live births, leading to an estimated 478 excess infant deaths during the period affected by bans.
Black infants were found to be disproportionately affected, with an infant mortality rate of 11.81 per 1,000 live births compared to an expected 10.66 per 1,000, representing a relative increase of nearly 11%. Additionally, infant deaths due to congenital anomalies increased by 10.87%, while other non-congenital causes saw a 4.23% rise.
The impact was particularly pronounced in southern states, with Texas exerting a dominant influence on the overall results. This regional disparity underscores concerns about existing healthcare inequalities and how restrictive reproductive policies may worsen health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The findings highlight the far-reaching consequences of abortion bans, suggesting that limiting access to reproductive healthcare may have unintended, yet serious, effects on infant survival rates. Researchers emphasise the need for further investigation into the long-term implications of restrictive abortion policies, particularly in addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in maternal and infant health.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Gemmill A et al. US Abortion Bans and Infant Mortality. JAMA. 2025;DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.28517.
