Abortion Bans Could Worsen High Rate of Preterm Births in the U.S.

The US has a higher rate of preterm births than most developed countries, with about 1 in 10 live births occurring prematurely. Roughly half of all preterm births are preventable, caused by social, economic, and environmental factors, as well as inadequate access to prenatal health care. Many maternal-fetal specialists worry that the incidence of premature birth could soon soar, with abortion now banned in at least 13 states and sharply restricted in 12 others. States that restrict abortion have fewer maternal care providers than states with abortion access.