New Research Finds State-Level Abortion Restrictions Associated with Increased Maternal Deaths

ChaseFebruary 15, 2026

The increased number of state-level abortion restrictions in the U.S. was associated with a parallel increase in maternal deaths between 2005 and 2023, according to new research presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting™. Researchers found that states with five or more different abortion restrictions had higher rates of maternal deaths from any cause, cardiovascular disease, and violence than those states with fewer restrictions.

Abortion Care Abortion restrictions Abortion Rights Healthcare Red States Reproductive rights United States

By Chase