Hello everyone! Given the recent ruling from the United States Supreme Court, which has dismantled Roe v. Wade, there have been new moves. One of the most disturbing is recent data showing an alarming rise in infant deaths. What does this imply for the health of upcoming generations?
As researchers investigate the data more, it is becoming clear that the ramifications of the court judgment cut across all levels. Investigate how this ruling is related to the health of infants in America.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Supreme Court Ruling and It's Immediate/Literal Effects
In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court removed its conservatory prohibition to censor abortion and any measures that protect a woman’s right to abortion as guaranteed under the law, Roe v. Wade.
The decision empowered every state to regulate abortion laws, a situation that led to many states enacting tougher laws against abortion or total prohibition. For women in those states where there have been enacted legal limitations on access to abortion beyond political and legal aspects – research has found that these limitations are now causing effects on infant health.
The women’s access to secured abortion by law across all states before the ruling cut across and alleviated the incidence of unplanned and complicated maternal conditions. The loss of this liberty has compelled some women to carry ill-fated pregnancies to the end, which could lead to an increase in infant death rates.
Many factors associated with unwanted or, more commonly, medically complicated pregnancies result in adverse health outcomes such as low birth weight babies and premature delivery, all of which are significant contributors to infant mortality.
Overall Conclusion: Infant Mortality Rates on The Increase
The findings of a new research focus on the fact that the rates of infant deaths have gone on a steady rise post the ruling. Specifically, researchers found that the death rate among infants born in states where access to safe, legal abortion was heavily curtailed was markedly high. In this regard, there was an increase in the number of infants dead within the first year of birth in these states.
The study associated these fatalities with the increased prevalence of poverty, reduced accessibility of prenatal care, and increased occurrence of birth-related complications.
What is clear is that where abortion services were offered in a certain state, the increase in infant mortality was comparatively lower. Restricted access to reproductive health services is making it worse for infants in the states that have bans or very stringent regulations. This study further demonstrates that to protect maternal and infant health, access to all aspects of health care, including abortion, is necessary.
Conclusion
Thank you for finishing this article! When looking back at the implications of the Supreme Court’s abortion ruling, the increase in the rates of infants dying after birth is a serious illustration of the consequences that come with limiting reproductive rights. What strategies can the healthcare systems and policy planners employ to preserve the health of infants and mothers in such an environment?
