Abortion bans linked to rise in births, study reveals

Research based on preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that states with abortion bans experienced a 2.3% higher fertility rate in the first half of 2023 compared to states without restrictions, resulting in approximately 32,000 more births than expected. The study also found that abortion bans disproportionately affected Hispanic women and younger women. Experts warn that restricted access to abortion services can have wide-ranging consequences, including increased infant mortality and limited financial security for families. The research highlights the direct impact of abortion restrictions on reproductive autonomy and the persistence of unmet need for abortions.