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Physicians

Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates Soar in States with Restrictive Abortion Laws

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As abortion restrictions in the US continue to escalate, a new study reveals that OB-GYN practitioners are abandoning states with the most restrictive laws, leading to alarming rates of maternity care deserts. Researchers found a 4% drop in OB-GYN practitioners per 100,000 reproductive-age women in states with restrictive abortion laws, compared to no decline in states without new restrictions. These trends exacerbate provider shortages in underserved and rural areas, which are already struggling with inadequate access to healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • States with restrictive abortion laws experience a 6.7% decline in OB-GYN residency applications, while states with legal abortion see a 0.4% increase.
  • Physicians are increasingly hesitant to practice full-spectrum reproductive care in states with restrictive legislation, with 60% fearing legal retaliation and 40% limiting emergency pregnancy care or miscarriage care.
  • States with restrictive abortion laws have a 62% higher maternal death rate and 15% higher perinatal mortality compared to states with accessible abortion.
  • Maternal and infant mortality rates are disproportionately high in Southern and politically conservative red states, particularly among Black populations.
  • Black women face maternal mortality rates nearly 3 times higher than those of white women, with a significant gap in rural Georgia, where Black women experience maternal mortality rates double that of rural white counterparts.
  • Bans on abortion are disrupting systems of reproductive healthcare, forcing providers out of states with restrictions, decreasing training opportunities, and undermining patient-clinician trust.

Statistics:

  • 60% of OB-GYNs fear legal retaliation in states with restrictive abortion laws.
  • 40% of OB-GYNs limit emergency pregnancy care or miscarriage care in states with restrictive abortion laws.
  • Maternal death rates in states with restrictive abortion laws are 62% higher.
  • Perinatal mortality in states with restrictive abortion laws is 15% higher.
  • States with restrictive abortion laws have a 6.7% decline in OB-GYN residency applications.
  • States with legal abortion see a 0.4% increase in OB-GYN residency applications.

Sources:

  • "New Study Reveals Effect of Abortion Restrictions on OB-GYNs and Patients" by Emari Pam, published by the Feminist Majority Foundation on August 19, 2025.
  • "Restrictive abortion laws drive OB-GYNs out, despite state's need for them" by Bryce Field, published by The New Orleans Advocate on May 2023.
  • "Abortion ban drives medical providers out of Mississippi" by Charles Toy, published by Clarion Ledger on August 2023.
  • "State-by-State Abortion Data Show Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates" by America's Health Rankings, published by United Health Foundation in 2023.

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