NEW DATA: Abortion Bans Are Costing Women Their Lives
Data reinforces that state abortion bans are killing women — Trump and extremists want a national abortion ban.
WASHINGTON, DC –– New data from the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health at Johns Hopkins University spotlights that women are dying at higher rates in states with abortion bans. Their latest research cites a 9.2% increase in pregnancy-associated deaths — an estimated 68 excess deaths by the end of 2023 in states where abortion is banned. The study finds that stripping abortion care and reproductive freedom will greatly undermine any progress towards addressing the U.S. maternal mortality crisis.
“Pregnancy is more dangerous than ever because of extreme abortion bans. Since Dobbs, women are dying at higher rates and being forced into impossible decisions just to get care,” said Veronica Ingham, Managing Director of Free & Just. “Instead of protecting patients, Trump and Republican lawmakers are pushing to ban abortion nationwide — no matter the cost.”
The Trump administration and anti-abortion extremists are using any tool available to ban abortion nationwide — even in states where it is legally protected — putting more lives at risk. From weaponizing federal agencies to gut access to medication abortion, to sneaking new national abortion restrictions into critical health care legislation, and undermining federal protections for lifesaving care, the consequences of attacks on reproductive freedom are deadly and impact everyone.
If you are interested in speaking to health care providers or patient storytellers who have received abortion care or denied lifesaving care, please contact Kelly Rimar kelly@freeandjust.us and Malachi White malachi@freeandjust.us.
###
Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future.