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A new study finds that since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the U.S. has seen a concerning rise in infant mortality rates. Read more about this alarming new statistic inside.
According to a report, the rate increased by 3 percent in 2022, marking the first rise in two decades. This spike follows the Supreme Court’s decision to revoke federal protections for abortion, which has caused widespread implications for reproductive healthcare access.
States with restrictive abortion laws, particularly in the South, have been most affected, with places like Mississippi experiencing a stark 13.5 percent increase in infant deaths. Medical experts link this rise to a variety of factors tied to restricted abortion access.
Women in states with abortion bans face greater difficulties in accessing prenatal care and other vital health services, especially when complications arise during pregnancy. The bans also disproportionately affect low-income women and women of color, who already face higher risks of maternal and infant mortality. Restricted abortion access is compounding preexisting healthcare inequalities, contributing to a more dangerous landscape for mothers and babies alike.
Dr. Amanda Stevenson, a sociologist at the University of Colorado, explains that the lack of accessible care can lead to more unsafe pregnancies and poorer health outcomes for infants. States with restrictive abortion policies often have fewer maternal healthcare resources, increasing the risk of complications during birth and contributing to the overall rise in infant mortality.
The data underlines the significant consequences of the Roe v. Wade reversal on public health, especially for marginalized communities. As the U.S. continues to grapple with healthcare disparities, these trends highlight the need for more robust maternal and infant health support systems in states where abortion access is limited. This is another reason it’s so important for citizens to show up and show out at the polls for this year’s presidential election.
For more details, you can read the full report via Blavity here.