Texas Abortion Ban Linked to Rise in Infant Mortality, Study Shows

As the right to abortion continues to be challenged in states across America, the alarming effects of strict bans are becoming evident. It has already been suggested that the overturn of Roe v. Wade would lead to an increase in maternal mortality, but now researchers have observed a link between Texas’ strict abortion ban and a rise in infant deaths.

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics on June 24 sought to determine if Texas’ ban on early abortions in 2021 impacted infant mortality in 2022. Under Senate Bill 8, abortions are not permitted after six weeks, with no exceptions made for rape, incest or congenital abnormalities. The only exception that allows for an abortion to be obtained after six weeks is “if a physician believes that a medical emergency exists,” according to the bill.

To see if this strict legislation had an impact, researchers from Johns Hopkins University and Michigan State University looked at over 94,000 recorded infant deaths in 28 comparison states and Texas. The data showed a 12.9 percent increase in infant deaths in Texas the year after the ban took effect, while nationwide, only a 1.8 percent increase was seen.

Researchers also found a significant jump in the rate of infant mortality in Texas (8.3 percent) – or the number of deaths per thousand live births – relative to the rest of the country (2.2 percent), suggesting that the increase in the number of infant deaths was not solely due to an overall rise in births.

Scientists believe the increase in infant mortality in Texas is largely tied to an increase in congenital abnormalities, which are the leading cause of infant deaths. In 2022, congenital abnormalities rose by 23 percent in Texas, compared to a nationwide 3 percent decrease. Because the ban prohibits abortions after six weeks, and many fatal fetal abnormalities (such as trisomy 18 and organ deformities) can only be detected via ultrasound at 18 to 22 weeks, parents in Texas often don’t get a choice when it comes to carrying a baby with fatal fetal abnormalities to term.

The study’s authors acknowledge more research needs to be done but believe that their results indicate that restrictive abortion policies may have “important unintended consequences in terms of trauma to families and medical cost.” While this news may be disheartening, people across the nation are working to make sure parents-to-be everywhere have options. For more information on your abortion options, restrictions in your state and more, visit ineedana.com.