How Abortion Bans Increase Maternal Mortality in the United States

Maternal mortality rates are 62% higher in states with abortion bans or severe restrictions.

By Matthew A. McIntosh
Public Historian
Brewminate

Introduction

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), which overturned Roe v. Wade, many states have enacted strict abortion bans or severely restricted access to reproductive healthcare. While the legal and political battles over abortion dominate headlines, the human toll—particularly on women’s health—has become increasingly evident. Data from multiple studies, public health agencies, and medical professionals reveal a disturbing trend: women are more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth in states with abortion bans.

This article examines the link between abortion restrictions and maternal mortality, the structural and socioeconomic factors that exacerbate the crisis, and the broader implications for women’s health and rights in the United States.

Maternal Mortality: A Growing Crisis

The United States already has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, a figure that has worsened in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. maternal mortality rate was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, a sharp rise from 23.8 in 2020 and 20.1 in 2019 (CDC, 2023).

The situation is even more dire for Black women, who die at 2.6 times the rate of white women from pregnancy-related causes. The racial disparities, combined with rising mortality rates, create a public health crisis that is particularly pronounced in states with poor access to reproductive care.

Abortion Bans and Their Health Impact: Relationship between Restrictions and Risk

A pivotal study from the Commonwealth Fund found that maternal mortality rates are 62% higher in states with abortion bans or severe restrictions than in states where abortion remains largely accessible (Commonwealth Fund, 2023). The reasons are multifaceted:

Delayed or Denied Care: In states with bans, healthcare providers may delay treating complications from miscarriage or ectopic pregnancies due to legal fears.
Hospital Closures: Abortion bans are often part of broader reductions in reproductive health services, leading to the closure of OB/GYN units and rural hospitals.
Higher Rates of Unintended Pregnancies: Restricting abortion leads to more forced pregnancies, which inherently carry medical risks—especially for those with chronic conditions or inadequate prenatal care.

Comparisons: Mississippi and Texas vs. California and New York

A comparison of state-level data reveals stark contrasts:

Mississippi, which has a near-total abortion ban, reported a maternal mortality rate of 36.0 per 100,000 in 2020—higher than the national average (Mississippi State Department of Health, 2022).
Texas, which enacted SB8 in 2021, saw maternal deaths increase from 18.5 per 100,000 in 2018 to 23.8 per 100,000 in 2020, with projections indicating further increases since the ban (Texas DSHS, 2022).

Meanwhile, California and New York, which maintain robust access to abortion and reproductive care, report significantly lower maternal mortality rates—10.2 per 100,000 in California and 16.9 per 100,000 in New York.

Medical Experts Sound the Alarm

Leading medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warn that abortion bans “interfere with the ability of physicians to provide evidence-based care” and increase the risk of preventable death. According to ACOG, “politically motivated restrictions” often prevent healthcare providers from intervening in life-threatening situations until a patient’s condition deteriorates dangerously (ACOG, 2022).

Dr. Jamila Taylor of the National WIC Association noted that “maternal health outcomes are deteriorating rapidly in states with the most punitive abortion laws,” and called for national protections to restore safe access to care (Taylor, 2023).

Disproportionate Effects on Marginalized Communities

The burdens of abortion bans are not distributed equally. Black, Indigenous, and low-income women—already at higher risk of pregnancy complications—are the most affected. Rural areas in restrictive states often lack maternal healthcare providers altogether. A March of Dimes report found that over 5 million women live in “maternity care deserts”, mostly in states with strict abortion laws (March of Dimes, 2022).

This structural neglect is exacerbated by transportation barriers, lack of insurance, and fear of criminal prosecution, especially for immigrants and communities of color.

Consequences Beyond Mortality: Psychological and Economic Tolls

Research from the Turnaway Study, conducted by Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), shows that women denied abortions are more likely to experience:

Chronic health problems
Greater likelihood of remaining in poverty
Higher incidence of intimate partner violence
Severe anxiety and depression

These long-term outcomes further underscore how abortion restrictions compromise not only survival but also long-term well-being (ANSIRH, 2020).

Conclusion: A National Health Crisis Rooted in Policy

The evidence is clear: abortion bans contribute to higher maternal mortality rates and significantly worsen health outcomes for women, particularly those in marginalized communities. As states continue to legislate on reproductive rights in the post-Dobbs era, the need for national public health standards and protections becomes ever more urgent.

Access to safe, legal abortion is not merely a political issue—it is a public health necessity. Until reproductive healthcare is treated as a fundamental right, the maternal mortality crisis in the United States will continue to claim preventable lives.