The Hidden Cost of Abortion Bans: How Restrictions Impact Infant Survival.
Abortion bans are often framed as moral or ethical decisions, but there’s a significant and often overlooked consequence: the potential harm to infant survival rates.
While the focus of these laws tends to be on restricting access to abortion, the broader impacts on maternal and infant health are concerning.
As restrictions tighten, the risk to both mothers and infants grows, revealing a hidden cost that is rarely discussed in public debates.
When abortion access is limited, many women are forced to carry pregnancies to term, regardless of medical complications.
In cases where fetal abnormalities or health risks to the mother are present, the lack of access to abortion means women may face the heartbreaking decision of carrying a child they know may not survive, or worse, may endanger their own lives.
In such situations, early termination of pregnancy can prevent complications that might later result in stillbirth, premature birth, or even maternal death.
Furthermore, research has shown that restrictive abortion laws can lead to delays in seeking necessary medical care. Without the option of timely abortion, women may experience complications like preeclampsia or infections that, if left untreated, can be fatal for both mother and child.
The pressure to continue a pregnancy without adequate healthcare can also result in longer-term health consequences for infants. Babies born prematurely or with untreated conditions are at higher risk for developmental issues, physical disabilities, or long-term health complications.