Repro Roundup: New study finds that women giving birth in states with fewer abortion restrictions have better outcomes

Welcome to my column, The Repro Roundup, in which I summarize abortion news happening around the country, why it matters, and what you can do about it — in 250 words or less.

What’s the issue? Last week, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine published a study that found states with less abortion and other reproductive health restrictions give birth to healthier babies at higher birth weights. The study found that women who give birth in states with fewer anti-abortion restrictions are seven percent less likely to have lower birth weights than women in states with fewer restrictions. The risk for Black women, in particular, is eight percent lower when they give birth in states with less restrictive policies.

Why does this matter? In states with less access to abortion care due to legal barriers, more women are forced to give birth. When more women are forced to give birth, the likelihood of complications increases. Additionally, Black women are four to five times more likely to die in childbirth and face pregnancy complications than white women, due to the deep and systematic racism perpetuated by this country’s medical system. May Sudhinaraset, a co-author of the study said, “Our study provides evidence that reproductive rights policies play a critical role in advancing maternal and child health equity.” In short, abortion restrictions are bad for women’s and infant health outcomes. If “pro-lifers” truly cared about saving lives, they could start by stop banning abortion.

What action can I take?

• Read the full study on birth outcomes
• Learn the different abortion restrictions by state using this Guttmacher tool
• Donate to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, an organization that ensures that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy
• Donate to In Our Own Voice, the National Black Woman’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, a national organizational initiative designed to amplify and lift up the voices of Black women at the national and regional levels in our ongoing fight to secure Reproductive Justice for all women and girls

• Subscribe to The Repro Queen of DC, my monthly newsletter on abortion access, activism, and writing on the frontlines of DC.
• Subscribe to Repro 101, a seven-week educational email series about all things repro. Topics include the basics of funding abortion, clinic escorting, anti-choice violence, and more.
• Read more of my work, browse the services I offer, and more.
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