Washington, D.C. — Four months after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, the dire health consequences of banning abortion care continue to become more apparent. With lawmakers such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) proposing a national ban on abortion, even states that are supportive of abortion have reason for concern.
A new analysis released today by the Center for American Progress examines the impact abortion bans will have on maternal mortality, with alarming conclusions: Banning abortion nationwide will result in significant increases in maternal mortality, including in states where abortion is currently legal. The column, which builds on research from the University of Colorado Boulder, found that in the event of a total ban on abortion:
- A more than a 30 percent increase in maternal deaths is expected in Maryland.
- Overall maternal deaths are expected to rise by 24 percent nationally.
- Maternal deaths among Black women are expected to rise by 39 percent nationally.
“It is no exaggeration to say that because of the state bans already in effect, as well as any potential additional state or nationwide bans, people will die,” said Elyssa Spitzer, legal fellow for the Women’s Initiative at CAP and co-author of the column. “These experiences of suffering and risk are unnecessary and completely avoidable.”
Read the column: “Abortion Bans Will Result in More Women Dying” by Elyssa Spitzer, Tracy Weitz, and Maggie Jo Buchanan
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Julia Cusick at [email protected].