Infants died at higher rates after abortion bans in the US, research shows

Following a significant court decision that revoked abortion rights, research indicates a notable increase in infant deaths in the United States, particularly among those with birth defects. Infant mortality rates were unexpectedly higher in the months following the ruling, notably in October 2022, March 2023, and April 2023, with additional deaths largely linked to congenital anomalies.

These anomalies, which vary in severity, accounted for most of the increased mortality. Experts suggest that these outcomes may reflect broader healthcare access issues linked to abortion restrictions, impacting prenatal care and maternal health. Individuals facing higher structural barriers, such as poverty, often experience more profound effects, leading to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in healthcare accessibility, emphasizing that underlying hardships persist where barriers are most stringent.