Infant mortality rates increased after Texas' restrictive abortion law, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics found that Texas' controversial "heartbeat law," which bans abortion after fetal cardiac activity is detected (usually around six weeks), may have contributed to an increase in infant deaths. The law, known as Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), took effect on September 1, 2021, and has been highly contested, with critics arguing that it endangers the lives of pregnant individuals and limits their reproductive freedom.

Texas' Heartbeat Law and its Impact

• The Law: The Texas Heartbeat Act, SB 8, bans abortion after the detection of fetal cardiac activity, with no exceptions for rape, incest, or fetal abnormalities.
• Infant Mortality Rate Increase: The JAMA Pediatrics study found that after SB 8 was enacted, there was an increase in infants dying before their first birthday, likely due to birth defects or genetic problems that would typically warrant pregnancy termination.
• Restricted Abortion Access: Such restrictive abortion laws effectively force individuals to carry pregnancies to term, even in cases of severe fetal abnormalities, as these conditions are not exempted from the abortion ban.
• Increase in Infant Deaths: In 2021-2022, while the average increase in infant deaths in the U.S. (excluding Texas) was 1.8%, Texas saw a startling 12.9% rise.

Statements from Researchers and Advocates

• Suzanne Bell, one of the study's lead authors, stated: "Our results suggest that restrictive abortion policies that limit pregnant people's ability to terminate pregnancies, particularly those with fetal abnormalities diagnosed later in pregnancy, may lead to increases in infant mortality."
• Alison Gemmill, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, referred to the increase in infant deaths as "spillover effects on moms and babies," emphasizing the unintended consequences of abortion bans.
• Wendy Davis, a prominent abortion rights advocate and former Democratic state senator, noted that the study only covers 2022, and that the situation in 2023-2024, following the Dobbs decision and more restrictive abortion bans, is likely even more dire.
• Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's office defended the state's anti-abortion stance, touting their efforts to "save the innocent unborn" and provide resources to expectant mothers.
• Amy O'Donnell of Texas Alliance for Life, an anti-abortion organization, argued that even newborns with anticipated lethal conditions deserve a chance at life and offered resources for families facing such situations.

Critiques and Responses

Critics of Texas' abortion restrictions highlight the devastating impact on individuals' health and freedom, arguing that such laws lead to dangerous outcomes and limited options for pregnant people. Anti-abortion advocates, on the other hand, maintain that their priority is protecting the "unborn" and offering support to expectant mothers.

"Abortion care is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, and when it is restricted, the human impacts are devastating." – Wendy Davis, Planned Parenthood Texas Votes