Texas abortion ban linked to increases in infant, neonatal mortality

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics has found a significant increase in infant mortality in Texas following the state's 2021 ban on early abortions. The research, led by a team from Johns Hopkins University and Michigan State University, suggests that the restrictive abortion policy may have unintended negative consequences on infant health.

The study examined infant deaths in Texas and 28 comparison states from January 2018 to December 2022. It focused on the impact of Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which banned abortions after embryonic cardiac activity and did not allow exemptions for congenital anomalies. The researchers found that infant deaths in Texas increased by 12.9% between 2021 and 2022, compared to a 1.8% increase in the rest of the United States.

"An excess of 216 infant deaths (95% CI, −122 to 554) was observed from March to December 2022, or a 12.7% increase above expectation," the study reported. This increase was particularly notable in the months of April, July, September, and October 2022.

The study also identified a significant rise in deaths due to congenital anomalies, which are the leading cause of infant mortality in the US In Texas, deaths attributable to congenital anomalies increased by 22.9% in 2022, while the rest of the country saw a 3.1% decrease.

"Congenital anomalies, which are the leading cause of infant death, also increased in Texas but not the rest of the US," the researchers noted.

The findings suggest that restrictive abortion policies like SB8 may have broader public health implications. "These results suggest that restrictive abortion policies may have important unintended consequences in terms of trauma to families and medical cost as a result of increases in infant mortality," the study concluded. The authors call for further research to understand the mechanisms behind these findings and to assess the broader impact of similar policies.

"Although replication and further analyses are needed to understand the mechanisms behind these findings, the results suggest that restrictive abortion policies may have important unintended consequences," they stated.

In an accompanying editorial, experts emphasized the need for policymakers to consider the wider health impacts of abortion restrictions.

"The increase in infant mortality in Texas underscores the importance of considering the full spectrum of health outcomes when evaluating the impact of reproductive health policies," they wrote.

These findings carry significant implications for healthcare providers in Texas and across the US. Providers may need to prepare for an increase in high-risk pregnancies and congenital anomalies, which could strain healthcare resources and necessitate additional training and support. The rise in infant mortality rates may also lead to increased emotional and psychological stress among healthcare professionals, who must deliver difficult news to families and manage more complex cases.

Moreover, healthcare providers will need to advocate for comprehensive maternal and infant health services to mitigate the potential negative effects of restrictive abortion policies. This could involve pushing for better prenatal care, increased access to medical resources for detecting and managing congenital anomalies, and enhanced support systems for families facing high-risk pregnancies.

This study provides critical evidence on the potential health consequences of restrictive abortion laws, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive evaluations of such policies. As states continue to navigate the post-Dobbs landscape, understanding the broader implications of reproductive health legislation will be essential for ensuring public health and safety.