Study Links Abortion Bans to Increased Infant Mortality in Several US States

Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health indicates that states with abortion bans have seen a significant increase in infant mortality rates, particularly affecting disadvantaged populations, raising concerns about the consequences of restrictive reproductive health policies.

In a significant finding, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have revealed alarming trends in infant mortality in US states that implemented strict abortion laws following the 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. The study estimates that approximately 478 infant deaths across 14 states with heavy restrictions after six weeks of pregnancy would not have occurred had these bans not been imposed. Co-leader of the study, Alison Gemmill, highlighted that "restrictive abortion policies" may jeopardize decades of progress in lowering infant mortality rates across the country.

The research notes that there has been an increase in death rates among infants born with congenital problems, as well as in demographic groups with pre-existing higher mortality rates—most notably among Black infants, unmarried parents, and younger individuals in southern states. Despite exceptions in some areas for cases of rape, incest, or maternal health, as of January 2025, 17 states have largely outlawed abortions.

Reported infant mortality rates in states that adopted these bans climbed to 6.26 per 1,000 live births, a rise from the anticipated rate of 5.93 per 1,000. The incidence of deaths from congenital anomalies rose from a projected 1.24 per 1,000 live births to 1.37 per 1,000, a relative increase of 10.87%. Mortality attributed to other causes also saw a rise, adding further concern. For non-Hispanic Black infants, there were 11.81 deaths per 1,000 live births following the bans, compared to an expected 10.66 per 1,000, marking an increase of nearly 11%.

The study indicated that the increases in infant mortality from congenital malformations correlated with cases where women were denied the option of terminating non-viable pregnancies. The uptick from non-congenital causes, however, remains less understood. Additionally, the research suggests that these bans disproportionately affect marginalized populations who are already at an elevated risk of poor infant outcomes and may face delays in accessing essential medical care.

In related findings, another study from the same institution indicated that the restrictions may also contribute to rising fertility rates. Post-Roe v. Wade, births per 1,000 reproductive-aged females in affected states rose by 1.7%, translating to an estimated 22,180 more births. This increase was particularly pronounced in states with some of the poorest maternal and child health metrics.

As the ripple effects of the Roe v. Wade decision continue to unfold, the research serves as a stark reminder of the potential health implications tied to restrictive reproductive policies in the United States.