Summary
The topic of infant mortality rates surging after the overturn of Roe v. Wade centers on the alarming increase in infant deaths in the United States following the Supreme Court’s decision to rescind federal abortion rights. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics indicates that the infant mortality rate rose approximately 7% higher than expected in the 18 months following the ruling, with the majority of these excess deaths occurring in infants with congenital abnormalities.
The research highlights a disturbing correlation between restrictive abortion laws and rising infant mortality rates. Since the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling in June 2022, which allowed states to impose stricter abortion regulations, many states have enacted laws that limit or ban abortions. These restrictions have reportedly led to an increase in pregnancies carried to term that would have otherwise ended in abortion, particularly in cases involving severe fetal anomalies. The study found that in specific months following the ruling, there were an average of 247 additional infant deaths due to congenital conditions. Experts argue that these findings reflect not only the immediate health consequences of restricted abortion access but also broader implications for maternal and infant health, emphasizing the need for policies that support reproductive rights to mitigate such tragic outcomes.
Key Findings from Recent Studies
-
Increased Infant Mortality: Studies indicate that the infant mortality rate surged in the months following the Dobbs decision, with a 7% increase leading to hundreds of additional deaths, primarily among infants with congenital defects.
-
Impact of Abortion Restrictions: As of now, 21 states have enacted laws that either ban abortions or impose strict gestational limits, often without exceptions for fetal anomalies. This has forced some expectant parents to carry non-viable pregnancies to term, resulting in traumatic experiences.
-
Historical Context: Prior to the Dobbs ruling, the infant mortality rate had been declining for two decades. The recent surge marks a significant reversal of this trend, raising concerns among health professionals about the long-term implications of such policies.
-
Future Research Directions: Researchers aim to further investigate whether the rise in infant mortality is consistent across all states or particularly concentrated in those with strict abortion laws, aiming to provide a clearer picture of the public health impact of these legal changes.
U.S. infant mortality spiked after right to abortion overturned: study
Oct. 22 / Raw Story / Analyzes the implications of the Dobbs ruling on infant mortality, supported by authoritative research. The focus on the mental health consequences of restricted abortion access adds a critical layer to the discussion. “ U.S. infant mortality surged in the months following the Supreme Court decision to overturn the national right to abortion , driven by a rise in the number...
Infant deaths rose nationwide following overturn of Roe v. Wade, study finds
Oct. 21 / Salon / Presents a concise summary of rising infant deaths linked to abortion restrictions, reinforcing concerns over maternal health. It effectively contextualizes the issue within recent legislative changes. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Infant mortality increased in the months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , leading to legislation...
Infant deaths rose nationwide following overturn of Roe v. Wade, study finds
Oct. 21 / Salon / Provides an overview of rising infant mortality rates post-Dobbs, echoing previous research findings. It effectively highlights the need for policy changes but could benefit from deeper analysis. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Infant mortality increased in the months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , leading to legislation...
Infant deaths rose nationwide following overturn of Roe v. Wade, study finds
Oct. 21 / Salon / Highlights the alarming rise in infant mortality following the Dobbs decision, with a strong focus on congenital abnormalities. The statistical analysis and expert quotes add depth and urgency to the findings. “ -- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email Infant mortality increased in the months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade , leading to legislation...
Kagro in the Morning podcast (AUDIO): Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Oct. 23 / Dailykos / Casts a wide net over political and social issues, but the focus on abortion and infant mortality feels secondary. While informative, it may dilute the urgency of the health crisis at hand. “ x YouTube Video Listen to our archived episodes: Pandora | LibSyn | YouTube Support the show: Patreon | PayPal: 1x or monthly | Square Cash * Listening to...
The Memo: Trump leans into populism, crudeness and possibly a second term
Oct. 21 / The Hill / Covers the political ramifications of abortion access and mortality rates, but lacks a strong focus on the health statistics. It touches on broader themes without delving deeply into the data. “ Former President Trump is leaning into a mix of populism, aggression and outright crudeness in the final stretch of the election campaign — and it might...
SCOTUS Ends Michael Cohen's Latest Attempt To Take Down Trump
Oct. 21 / Zerohedge / Analyzes the implications of abortion bans on infant mortality rates, drawing on recent studies. The article's emphasis on the emotional experience of families affected by these laws is particularly poignant. “ This morning, the Supreme Court rejected former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen’s appeal to bring back his civil rights claim against the former...
Oil Markets Fail to Respond to Geopolitical Escalations
Oct. 21 / Oil Price / Addresses the ongoing political climate surrounding abortion, but the connection to rising infant mortality is less pronounced. It serves as a broader commentary rather than a focused examination of health outcomes. “ Ten days ago, the Biden administration on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors in response to Iran’s October 1 attack on Israel, its second direct...
Presidential candidates make final pitches as Election Day nears
Oct. 21 / Kcra / Examines the political landscape as candidates make final pushes before Election Day, providing context to the ongoing abortion debate. However, it lacks direct focus on the infant mortality issue. “ WASHINGTON — Both presidential candidates are making their closing arguments with just 15 days left until Election Day, focusing on key swing states. "We...
'We're there': MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace says Trump has gone too far even for Republicans
Oct. 21 / Raw Story / Provides a comprehensive overview of the data surrounding infant mortality rates post-Dobbs, linking it effectively to broader reproductive health issues. It emphasizes the emotional toll on families, enhancing its impact. “ Before her television career, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace worked in Republican politics. While her very public breakup with the party has been fodder for...
Infants Died at Higher Rates After Roe V. Wade Was Overturned
Oct. 21 / Vice News / Highlights the alarming statistics around infant mortality rates post-Dobbs, effectively linking them to broader public health implications. The authors' credentials lend authority to the findings. “ More infants died in the U.S. after Roe V. Wade was overturned. Earlier this year, a Texas study found increased infant mortality rates in the 18 months...
'We're there': MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace says Trump has gone too far even for Republicans
Oct. 21 / Raw Story / Discusses the correlation between restrictive abortion laws and rising infant mortality rates, supported by expert opinions. The article's thoroughness enriches the conversation surrounding reproductive rights. “ Before her television career, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace worked in Republican politics. While her very public breakup with the party has been fodder for...
Elon Musk says he’s giving away $1 million a day to voters. Is that legal?
Oct. 21 / Vox / Offers a critical look at the implications of abortion bans, emphasizing the emotional toll on families. The article's depth in exploring mental health impacts adds a significant layer to the discussion. “ Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and campaign surrogate for former President Donald Trump, recently announced a plan to give away $1 million each day...