Tag

Abortion Bans

All articles tagged with #abortion bans

Spike in ectopic-pregnancy deaths linked to abortion bans
health29 days ago

Spike in ectopic-pregnancy deaths linked to abortion bans

ProPublica’s analysis of CDC data finds about 196 deaths from ectopic pregnancies between 2020 and 2026, roughly double the ~100 deaths in the prior six years, with the rise nationwide but steeper in states that enforce abortion bans after Dobbs. The investigation links delays and hesitancy in treating ectopic pregnancies in ban states to worse outcomes, highlights gaps in data and research, and calls for national reviews and more funding to understand and prevent these preventable deaths.

Ectopic-Death Surge Highlights Policy-Driven Care Gaps
health1 month ago

Ectopic-Death Surge Highlights Policy-Driven Care Gaps

ProPublica analyzes CDC data and finds a sharp rise in deaths from ectopic pregnancies—about 196 deaths from 2020–2026 versus 106 in the previous six years—with the increase much steeper in states with strict abortion bans. The investigation ties delays and refusals of care to the bans, highlights patient stories in Texas and Arkansas, and notes federal funding and staffing cuts that hamper surveillance and clinician training. While bans aren’t the sole cause, experts say access barriers and policy changes likely contribute to preventable deaths, underscoring the need for better data, guidance, and faster treatment.

Abortion bans linked to slower, less evidence-based miscarriage care
health4 months ago

Abortion bans linked to slower, less evidence-based miscarriage care

An OHSU study in JAMA finds state abortion bans correlate with reduced evidence-based miscarriage management, shifting care toward expectant management and more misoprostol-only regimens, delaying treatment and potentially harming health and fertility, with greater impact on Medicaid/low-income patients amid legal uncertainty surrounding mifepristone.

Court reinstates in-person pickup for abortion pills nationwide (temporary)
health5 months ago

Court reinstates in-person pickup for abortion pills nationwide (temporary)

A federal appeals court temporarily reinstated the rule that abortion pills must be picked up in person, blocking access via mail and telehealth. The decision, tied to Louisiana’s suit against the FDA, is a win for antiabortion advocates and will affect access in states with bans while manufacturers seek to pause or challenge the ruling.

Denied Care and a Dying Heart: A North Carolina Mother’s Death Amid Abortion Restrictions
health8 months ago

Denied Care and a Dying Heart: A North Carolina Mother’s Death Amid Abortion Restrictions

ProPublica’s investigation chronicles how Ciji Graham, a 34-year-old pregnant Greensboro police officer with atrial fibrillation, could not access urgent heart treatment or a timely abortion under North Carolina’s abortion restrictions, ultimately dying from cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiologists say she should have been hospitalized for cardioversion, but delays stemmed from care being routed through clinics rather than hospitals, unclear policies, and legal fears around abortion. The piece situates her death within a broader pattern of high‑risk pregnant patients losing access to standard care in states with restrictive abortion laws.

US abortion rates increase three years post-Roe overturn
health1 year ago

US abortion rates increase three years post-Roe overturn

Three years after the overturning of Roe v Wade, US abortion numbers have increased, driven by telehealth services and shield laws, despite bans in many states. The data shows a record high of 1.14 million abortions in 2024, with a significant rise in telehealth abortions, especially in rural areas, and ongoing legal challenges to shield laws and access to abortion drugs.

CDC: US Abortions Dropped 2% Post-Roe Overturn
health1 year ago

CDC: US Abortions Dropped 2% Post-Roe Overturn

A CDC report reveals that the number of abortions in the US fell by only 2% in 2022 despite state bans following the overturning of Roe v Wade. The report highlights a divide in access, with some states enacting strict bans while others have protective laws, leading to increased abortions in those areas. The availability of abortion pills and telemedicine has helped maintain abortion numbers. However, the report's data is incomplete, as some states do not provide comprehensive information. The sustainability of current abortion access, reliant on donations and support organizations, remains uncertain.

Third Texas Woman's Death Sparks Debate on Abortion Ban Exceptions
health1 year ago

Third Texas Woman's Death Sparks Debate on Abortion Ban Exceptions

A Texas woman, Porsha Ngumezi, died after receiving inadequate medical treatment for a miscarriage, highlighting the impact of abortion bans on healthcare. Ngumezi, who was 10 weeks pregnant, experienced heavy bleeding and was given misoprostol instead of a dilation and curettage (D&C), a procedure some doctors avoid due to fear of legal repercussions. This incident is part of a broader issue where women in states with strict abortion laws face delayed or inadequate care, contributing to maternal mortality.

"Pharmacists Face Legal Concerns Amid Ambiguous Abortion Laws"
healthcare2 years ago

"Pharmacists Face Legal Concerns Amid Ambiguous Abortion Laws"

In states with strict abortion bans, pharmacists face uncertainty and fear of legal action when dispensing misoprostol, a drug used for abortions as well as other medical purposes. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to confusion and distress for both pharmacists and patients, with some pharmacists refusing to prescribe misoprostol due to legal concerns. Women have experienced delays in accessing prescribed medications, including misoprostol, even when not seeking abortions, highlighting the impact of these laws on healthcare access.

"Republican Women's Dilemma: Navigating Abortion Divisions Amid Conservative Shift"
politics2 years ago

"Republican Women's Dilemma: Navigating Abortion Divisions Amid Conservative Shift"

Conservative and centrist Republican women are facing internal divisions as new abortion restrictions and court rulings continue to emerge across the United States, leading to complex conversations about reproductive health issues. Fractures are becoming apparent as the party's traditional stance against abortion encounters real-life scenarios such as miscarriage, medical emergencies, and fertility treatments. Arizona, a crucial battleground state, is at the center of the intense debate following the State Supreme Court's decision to reinstate an 1864 law banning all abortions from the moment of conception, without exceptions for rape or incest.

"Texas Medical Board Proposes Emergency Abortion Guidance Amid Ban"
health2 years ago

"Texas Medical Board Proposes Emergency Abortion Guidance Amid Ban"

The Texas Medical Board has proposed guidance for exceptions to the state's abortion bans, addressing how physicians can provide care in medical emergencies. The guidance, which is open for public comments, emphasizes the need for physicians to use their reasonable medical judgment and document their decision-making in cases of medical emergencies. However, critics, including women suing Texas over its abortion bans, express concerns that the guidance does not cover cases of fatal fetal anomalies and could potentially add burdens on physicians. Anti-abortion protesters and abortion rights activists have also voiced their opinions on the proposed rules.

"Study Reveals Stable US Abortion Rates Despite State Restrictions"
health-politics2 years ago

"Study Reveals Stable US Abortion Rates Despite State Restrictions"

A new report finds that the number of monthly abortions in the US is similar to pre-Roe v. Wade levels, with telemedicine prescriptions accounting for one in six abortions. The report estimates that 120,000 more abortions would have occurred in states with bans if they had not been implemented. While some states have enforced bans on abortion, others have taken steps to protect access to abortion, including via telehealth. The report does not cover self-managed abortions, and the US Supreme Court is considering the approval of mifepristone, a drug commonly used in abortions.

"Analysis Reveals 12% Increase in Preterm Birth Rate in the US"
health2 years ago

"Analysis Reveals 12% Increase in Preterm Birth Rate in the US"

A new analysis from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals a 12% increase in the rate of premature births in the US from 2014 to 2022, with significant racial and age disparities among mothers. Black mothers and women over 40 are at higher risk. Experts warn that abortion bans could exacerbate the maternal and infant health crisis, with stress and economic factors likely contributing to the rise in preterm births. The report underscores the ongoing racial disparities and the potential risks of starting families later in life, while highlighting the need for further research and solutions to address this concerning trend.

"Rape-Related Pregnancies Soar in States with Abortion Bans: Study"
reproductive-rights2 years ago

"Rape-Related Pregnancies Soar in States with Abortion Bans: Study"

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that 64,565 pregnancies resulting from rape occurred in 14 states with abortion bans, despite exceptions for rape. The study highlights the limited access to legal abortions for rape survivors in these states, leading many to seek illegal procedures, self-managed abortions, or travel to states where abortion is legal. The findings underscore the need for national protection of the right to choose to terminate pregnancy, as legal exceptions for rape are hindered by stringent time limits and reporting requirements.