Fact Check: Maternal deaths in Texas surged 56% after abortion bans.

Fact Check: Maternal Deaths in Texas Surged 56% After Abortion Bans

What We Know

The claim that maternal deaths in Texas surged by 56% after the implementation of abortion bans is supported by multiple analyses of public health data. According to a report by the Gender Equity Policy Institute, the rate of maternal mortality in Texas rose significantly from 2019 to 2022, increasing from 18.5 to 28.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. This represents a 56% increase, which starkly contrasts with a national increase of only 11% during the same period. The Texas law, known as Senate Bill 8 (S.B. 8), went into effect on September 1, 2021, prohibiting abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy without exceptions for cases of fetal anomalies.

The analysis also highlighted that the rise in maternal mortality affected all racial groups, with notable increases among Hispanic and Black women. For example, the maternal mortality rate for Hispanic women rose from 14.5 to 18.9 per 100,000 live births, while for Black women, it increased from 31.6 to 43.6 per 100,000 live births (NBC News).

Analysis

The findings from the Gender Equity Policy Institute are corroborated by other studies and analyses. A report published by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health indicates that the Texas abortion ban has had significant implications not only for maternal health but also for infant mortality rates. The study estimates that there were 216 excess infant deaths in Texas attributable to the restrictive abortion laws, with a notable increase in deaths due to congenital anomalies.

The credibility of the Gender Equity Policy Institute is bolstered by its reliance on publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making its findings transparent and verifiable. However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the interpretation of data, particularly from organizations focused on gender equity and reproductive rights. Despite this, the consistency of findings across multiple reputable sources strengthens the validity of the claim.

Moreover, the implications of these findings are significant. Medical professionals, such as Dr. Leah Tatum, have reported increased anxiety among women regarding pregnancy and childbirth in the wake of the abortion ban, suggesting that the law has created an environment of fear that may deter women from seeking necessary prenatal care (NBC News). This context adds a layer of complexity to the issue, as it highlights the broader societal and psychological impacts of restrictive abortion laws.

Conclusion

The claim that maternal deaths in Texas surged by 56% after the implementation of abortion bans is True. The evidence from multiple studies and analyses indicates a significant increase in maternal mortality rates in Texas, particularly following the enactment of S.B. 8. The data shows a clear correlation between the abortion ban and adverse health outcomes for pregnant women, reinforcing concerns about the implications of such restrictive policies on maternal and infant health.

Fact Check: Maternal deaths in Texas surged 56% after abortion bans.