Infant mortality rates rose after Dobbs v. Jackson, per new research
Image: Joseph Brant Hospital
US infant mortality rates increased by more than expected over the 18 months following Dobbs v. Jackson, the SCOTUS ruling that overturned the federal right to abortion, according to a new study from Ohio State University.
More details: The study involved comparing US infant mortality rates in the 18 months following Dobbs to historical trends. Upon doing so, Ohio State researchers found rates were ~7% above normal levels in three specific months, and never fell below expected levels over the entire span.
Driving the trend… The researchers say the recent increase in infant mortality can largely be attributed to a rise in the number of women carrying fetuses with fatal birth defects to term.
- According to the study, ~80% of all additional infant deaths since the Dobbs decision can be attributed to congenital anomalies (birth defects), which typically aren’t detected until 18-22 weeks of pregnancy or later.
- And, since abortion is now banned during that time frame in 21 US states following the Dobbs decision, mothers who discover fatal abnormalities in their unborn child are often too far along in their pregnancies for medical abortion to be an option.
Big picture: The US infant mortality rate stood at 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, based on the most recent available data. This figure is 3% higher compared to 2021, marking the first annual rate increase since 2002.
On a global scale, a 2023 analysis of 11 of the world’s wealthiest countries – including the UK, Japan, Germany, South Korea, and Australia – found the US has the highest infant mortality rate of the group.
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Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue that some states’ high infant mortality rates, like Florida, can be attributed to many low-income mothers who can’t access proper resources for preventative care or treatment.
- Others contend that Americans must educate themselves on abortion and recognize it as a necessary healthcare procedure rather than stigmatize it, especially as more and more cases of women suffering the consequences of abortion bans begin to emerge.
- “Infant mortality: An intolerable Florida tragedy.” –South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Board
- “Both My Abortions Were Necessary. Only One Gets Sympathy.” –Sarah Elaine Harrison, New York Times
- “Issue 1 can help Ohio get the gun control, abortion right protections we want.” –Ohio State Rep. Anita Somani (D)
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Democrats exaggerate the data surrounding infant mortality and women’s access to care to spread misinformation about abortion and earn more support from scared voters.
- Others contend that mainstream media cannot be trusted to provide accurate data on infant mortality or abortions, and that there is stronger evidence that pro-life laws in the US and elsewhere work as intended.
- “How Democrats lie about Dobbs.” –David Harsanyi, Washington Examiner
- “Mainstream Media Mislead on Infant-Mortality-Rate Increase.” –Michael J. New, National Review
- “Here’s one way to improve maternal mortality rates in Texas.” –Dallas Morning News Editorial Board
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