Key Takeaways:

• States that added abortion limits after June 2022 saw a rise in infant mortality.
• Infant deaths jumped by 7.2 percent on average in these states.
• Babies aged one month to one year faced the biggest increase in deaths.
• Health exceptions did not prevent the rise in infant deaths.
• More clarity in laws may help doctors protect both mothers and babies.

Introduction

Three years after the Supreme Court decision, many states passed new abortion limits. Surprisingly, these limits link to a rise in infant mortality. Our study compared infant deaths before and after these laws. We found that states with new restrictions saw about 30 extra infant deaths each year.

Why Are States Seeing Higher Infant Mortality?

A New Landscape for Abortion Laws
Since June 2022, states control abortion rules. Over 20 states added tight limits. Some allow abortions only to save the mother or in case of severe fetal problems. Other states moved to protect abortion access. This split creates a patchwork of rules across the country.

Key Study Details

Our team used national data from 2018 to 2023. We counted infant deaths for each state in that period. Then, we compared changes in states with new abortion limits to those without. Economists call this method “difference in differences.” It shows how much the law change affects outcomes.

Main Findings on Infant Mortality

Overall, states with new abortion limits saw infant mortality rise by 7.2 percent. This means about 30 extra deaths per year among babies under one year old. However, most of the increase came from infants aged one month to one year. They experienced a 9.3 percent rise in deaths. Newborns on their first day also saw an increase, but it was smaller.

Health Exceptions and Infant Deaths

Some states include health exceptions. These allow abortions to save a mother’s life or address fatal fetal conditions. Yet, our data found no difference in infant deaths between states with or without these exceptions. In other words, health exceptions did not stop the rise in death rates.

How the Study Was Done

We relied on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This data tracks how many infants died in each state. We split deaths into two groups: newborns under one day and older infants up to one year. Then, we looked at when each state passed a new abortion rule. Finally, we measured the change in deaths before and after the rule.

Why This Matters

Infant mortality reflects a region’s health services and policies. A rise in infant deaths signals a real harm. If states limit abortion, they may also limit prenatal and postnatal care. In turn, more infants die from preventable causes. Moreover, the uneven laws across states create inequality. Families in strict states face higher risks.

Challenges for Medical Professionals

Doctors need clear laws to guide their care. Vague terms like “serious risk” or “irreversible impairment” leave room for doubt. If medical staff fear legal trouble, they may delay treatment. Sadly, that delay can cost lives. To protect infants and mothers, laws must define key terms.

State Examples

Texas passed strict limits in 2021. That law alone led to a 13 percent rise in infant deaths. Our national study shows Texas was not an outlier. Other states saw similar patterns. Meanwhile, states like New York kept abortion safe and legal. They did not see the same spike in infant mortality.

What Still Isn’t Known

Although our study links abortion limits to more infant deaths, we do not know all the details. For example, we lack data on causes beyond birth issues. Deaths in the “other causes” category rose too. This group covers many health complications up to the second year of life. More research must pinpoint exact reasons.

We also need data on how race and income shape these outcomes. It is likely that poor and minority families face the highest risks. Yet, our current data do not break down deaths by these groups. Future studies should fill that gap.

Possible Paths Forward

Addressing this problem will take both health and economic steps. First, states should refine health exception language. Clear rules will help doctors act fast. Second, states can invest in maternal and child health programs. Better prenatal care and home visits can save lives. Finally, national efforts could support families where state laws are tight.

Conclusion

The rise in infant mortality in states with new abortion limits is alarming. It shows that policy changes can have far-reaching effects. As lawmakers debate these issues, they must consider real health outcomes. By clarifying laws and boosting care, we can protect the most vulnerable.

FAQs

How do abortion limits affect infant mortality?

Abortion limits can reduce access to prenatal care and medical interventions. This may increase deaths among babies, especially those older than one month.

Why did health exceptions not lower infant deaths?

Health exceptions often use vague terms. Doctors may hesitate to use them without clear guidance. That delay can lead to tragic outcomes.

Which age group saw the biggest rise in deaths?

Infants aged one month to one year saw the largest jump in mortality. They experienced a 9.3 percent increase in deaths.

What can states do to protect infants and mothers?

States can define health exception terms clearly. They can also fund prenatal programs and support services for new families.