New study reveals pregnancy mortality far higher than previously estimated

A Brown University–led study using 2018–2021 data finds that death risk from pregnancy (including up to one year postpartum) is 44–70 times higher than abortion and about three times higher than prior estimates, with an average of 32.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and a peak of 43.9 in 2021. By refining death classifications (excluding COVID-19 and nonspecific causes) and using updated pregnancy-check data, the researchers argue that abortion bans could worsen maternal health by forcing pregnancy to continue.