Study finds increase in infant mortality in US states with abortion bans and restrictions

Increases in infant mortality have been observed in U.S. states where abortion bans were enacted. An estimated 478 additional deaths have been recorded since the bans began.

The infant mortality rate rose from an expected 5.93 to 6.26 per 1,000 live births in these states, which represents a relative increase of 5.60%.

Disadvantaged populations, particularly Black infants, experienced the highest increases in mortality, reaching 11.81 deaths per 1,000 live births post-ban.

The findings suggest that restrictive abortion policies disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, exacerbating existing health disparities in maternal and child health.