When Choice is Limited: The Ripple Effect of Abortion Bans on Maternal and Infant Health.
Abortion bans are often framed as policies intended to protect life, but the ripple effect of such restrictions can lead to significant harm for both mothers and infants.
While the intention behind these laws may be to limit access to abortion, the unintended consequences can be devastating, particularly for maternal and infant health.
When a woman’s right to choose is limited, the risks for both her health and the wellbeing of her baby increase dramatically.
In many cases, abortion bans force women to carry pregnancies to term, even in situations where complications arise.
If a woman’s health is at risk or if the fetus has life-threatening conditions, being denied access to abortion often means carrying a pregnancy that has little chance of survival, or worse, could put her own life in jeopardy.
Without the option to terminate, women may experience dangerous delays in receiving necessary medical treatments, leading to worsening health outcomes for both mother and child.
Additionally, studies have shown that abortion restrictions can increase the likelihood of preterm births, low birth weights, and infant mortality.
When a woman is unable to access timely medical intervention, the risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth escalate. For example, in cases of ectopic pregnancies or severe birth defects, timely termination is essential to prevent infection.