Limited access to abortion is linked to higher rates of unsafe procedures, maternal mortality, and infant death. Restrictive laws lead to delayed or denied care, increasing health risks—especially among marginalized communities. Studies show that states and countries with fewer abortion restrictions have better maternal and infant health outcomes, while restrictive policies worsen mortality rates and deepen racial and economic disparities.
Restrictive abortion policies are linked to higher rates of unsafe abortion, maternal mortality, and infant death. Legal restrictions reduce access to safe care, forcing many women to seek dangerous alternatives with serious health consequences.
Unsafe Abortion and Maternal Mortality
Annually, an estimated 20–25 million unsafe abortions occur worldwide, with 97% in developing countries. These cause up to 7.9% of global maternal deaths and lead to around 5 million injuries or disabilities each year :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Countries with restrictive abortion laws see significantly higher instances of unsafe procedures. Historical reforms—such as South Africa's legalization in 1996—resulted in over a 90% reduction in abortion-related deaths :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Evidence from Comparative Studies
- A global study of 162 countries found that countries with less restrictive abortion laws consistently had lower maternal mortality rates :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- In the U.S. from 1995–2017, states with restrictive abortion policies had significantly higher maternal mortality ratios compared to neutral or protective states (28.5 vs. 15.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- U.S. states that implemented gestational abortion restrictions saw a 38% rise in maternal mortality, while Planned Parenthood clinic closures also contributed to increased mortality by 6–15% across racial groups :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Infant Mortality and Broader Health Outcomes
Research reveals significant increases in infant mortality in U.S. states that adopted abortion bans. One study estimated 478 extra infant deaths in 14 such states, and an additional 22,180 births across the country—especially affecting communities with already elevated mortality rates :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Overall infant mortality rose approximately 7% nationally following the Dobbs decision. The increase was particularly pronounced among infants with congenital anomalies, suggesting that abortion restrictions led to more vulnerable births being carried to term :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
The Commonwealth Fund also reported that maternal death rates were 62% higher and perinatal death rates 15% higher in states with restricted abortion access, with impacts disproportionately borne by people of color and lower-income communities :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Case Study: Texas
After Texas enacted strict abortion restrictions in 2021, the state experienced a dramatic increase in maternal mortality—rising by 56% while the national average increased by only 11%. Infant mortality in Texas jumped by 11.5%, with sepsis-related complications rising over 50% among second-trimester hospitalizations :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Public health analysts attribute much of this rise to laws forcing pregnant individuals to carry high-risk pregnancies with limited medical intervention options.
Disparities and Social Impact
A disproportionate number of Black women of reproductive age in the U.S.—more than 57%—live in states with abortion restrictions. These laws exacerbate existing racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, economic insecurity, and access to care :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
A maternal care provider’s hesitation to act—due to fear of legal consequences—can delay lifesaving procedures. The 2022 death of 28-year-old Amber Thurman in Georgia, following delayed treatment after a medication abortion due to legal limits, exemplifies the human cost of restrictive policies :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
Conclusion
Extensive evidence shows that access to safe abortion services supports better maternal and infant health outcomes. Restrictive laws lead to unsafe procedures, increase maternal and infant mortality, and magnify health inequities—especially among marginalized and rural populations.