A recent study from Ohio State University reveals a significant rise in infant mortality rates in the U.S. following the Supreme Court's reversal of federal abortion rights in June 2022.

Congenital anomalies, often detectable before birth, typically lead to pregnancy terminations in states where abortion remains legal, but such options are unavailable under restrictive laws.

Researchers plan to investigate whether this increase in infant mortality is consistent across all states or concentrated in those with stricter abortion laws.

The research indicates an overall increase of 7% in infant mortality, with a troubling 10% rise among infants born with congenital anomalies in the months following the ruling.

This increase translates to approximately 210 additional deaths per month among infants with congenital anomalies.

The unexpected rise in infant mortality highlights the broader public health impacts of restricting healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The study also underscores the mental health consequences for individuals denied abortions or forced to carry pregnancies with fatal fetal anomalies.

Maria Gallo emphasized that many cases could have been resolved through abortion prior to the Supreme Court's ruling, potentially preventing family suffering.

Infant mortality rates were notably higher in the months following the ruling, with an additional 247 infant deaths each month attributed primarily to congenital anomalies.

Alison Gemmill noted that the increase in mortality would likely be more pronounced in states with stricter abortion laws.

Future research aims to explore the impact of restricted healthcare access on different populations and examine maternal mortality rates.

The findings suggest that the Dobbs decision has limited women's ability to terminate pregnancies with severe fetal anomalies, raising significant public health concerns.