Study Links Abortion Bans in the US to Rising Infant Mortality Rates

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A recent study published by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals a significant increase in infant mortality rates in U.S. states that have enacted abortion bans following the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The research, which examined 14 states with strict abortion laws, estimated that approximately 478 infant deaths could have been avoided in these areas if such bans were not in place. Alison Gemmill, co-leader of the study, warned that "restrictive abortion policies" could reverse decades of progress made in reducing infant mortality across the country.

The study found that these increases in mortality rates were particularly pronounced among disadvantaged populations, including Black infants and those whose parents had lower educational attainment or were unmarried. Following the bans, infant mortality rates rose to 6.26 per 1,000 live births, up from an expected 5.93 per 1,000, signifying a relative increase of 5.6%. Additionally, infant deaths associated with congenital anomalies increased by 10.87%. As of January 2025, 17 states have imposed near-total abortion bans, with varying exceptions.

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