Impact of Abortion Bans on Maternal Mortality and Health Risks

In recent years, the United States experienced significant changes in abortion legislation following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, leading to the enactment of total or near-total abortion bans in 13 states, with seven additional states restricting abortion at or before 18 weeks of gestation. These legislative shifts have raised concerns about their potential consequences for maternal health.

Research indicates that restricting access to abortion services can increase maternal mortality and severe health complications associated with pregnancy. Despite existing studies predicting adverse health outcomes from bans, there remains a gap in understanding how adaptations like self-managed abortions, telehealth services, and travel to out-of-state clinics might mitigate or alter these impacts across different racial and socioeconomic groups.

A recent study published in the Journal of Women's Health, conducted by researchers from CUNY, aimed to forecast the future increase in maternal deaths and severe maternal health issues resulting from abortion bans in 14 states. The study utilized comprehensive data on abortion rates, maternal mortality, and morbidity, accounting for racial and ethnic disparities, to model the potential outcomes over a four-year period. By considering variables such as access to self-managed abortions and cross-state travel, the researchers developed a range of scenarios to estimate possible increases in maternal health risks.

The findings suggest that, under various conditions, there could be approximately 42 additional maternal deaths over four years in the affected states, with a confidence interval ranging from 17 to nearly 67 deaths. Additionally, they projected around 2,200 to 2,700 cases of severe maternal morbidity. Notably, about 63% of these predicted maternal deaths are expected to occur among Black women, highlighting ongoing racial disparities in maternal health.

Experts emphasize that while efforts from health organizations, lawmakers, and advocacy groups continue to expand access and develop alternatives outside in-state clinics, many harms caused by restrictive laws may persist. Policymakers and health providers are urged to investigate the underlying causes of maternal mortality, clarify emergency care protocols, and improve pregnancy-related healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations.

This research underscores the potential long-term health impacts of abortion restrictions and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to safeguard maternal health amidst evolving legal landscapes.

Source: medicalxpress.com