September 1, 2021 it abortion law. It prohibits doctors statewide from performing an abortion on any pregnancy in which a fetal heartbeat has already been detected. With no exceptions. The heartbeat begins to be detected around the 6th week of pregnancy, so pregnant women barely have time to realize they are pregnant before they can have an abortion. For this reason, the birth rate in Texas has increased significantly since then. The goal is presumably achieved. The problem is that it has also increased. Infant mortality.
Scientists came to this conclusion from a recently published study. Johns Hopkins University. In it, they analyze both births and deaths in both Texas and other states across the country. from 2018 to 2022. In this way, it is possible to identify differences that occurred before and after the heartbeat abortion law came into force.
Thus, they saw that overall infant mortality and mortality caused specifically congenital anomalies have increased significantly in Texas since the law took effect. This new study may join numerous scientific committees that have asked for at least some medical exceptions to be included in the law, as has already been done in other countries. This would be the minimum; but for now, what many call pro-life legislation continues to leave a trail of deaths in its wake.
Infant mortality after abortion law
This study shows that infant mortality increased after the Texas abortion law passed. 12.7%, which is much higher than the 1.8% increase in other states. Moreover, by focusing only on deaths due to congenital anomalies, the researchers discovered something even more striking. In other states, mortality from this cause has decreased by 3.1% in recent years. However, in Texas increased by 22.9%.
This does not establish causation, but it is clear that This is much more than a coincidence. Texas is the only state to experience such a sudden increase in infant mortality, coinciding with its anti-abortion law.
What could be the reasons?
These scientists believe that they should continue their research in the same direction to determine the causes. However, there are some that seem quite clear.
Many countries have abortion laws that prohibit any woman from practicing it as long as the fetus is healthy. On the other hand, if any malformation is detected, usually before week 22, abortion is not prohibited. It should be noted that in many of these cases there is almost absolute certainty that the children will be stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Abortion in this case relieves suffering of both the developing child and the mother. But it is not covered by Texas abortion law. Thus, the majority of child mortality up to the first year of lifeare caused by abnormalities that already existed before birth.
Case of premature birth
On the other hand, this study also found a significant increase in cases necrotizing enterocolitis. This is a disease that occurs mainly in premature babies and is characterized by the death of intestinal tissue, resulting in the formation of holes through which bacteria penetrate en masse. In some cases it is mild, while in others it may be necessary to remove the affected part of the intestine. Even infant deaths can occur.
There are many studies that link anxiety during pregnancy With premature birth. In the same year, the results of a study were published in the United States, which noted an increase in the level of anxiety in women. from 18 to 45 years old in states with very strict anti-abortion laws.
It makes sense that the anxiety may be even greater for an already pregnant woman who is not allowed to have an abortion, even if she does not want or cannot raise that child. It has also been observed that such laws increase the number of suicides in women of reproductive age.
It is therefore not surprising that children born premature or sick suffer from such extreme stress. Anti-abortion laws, regardless of their country of origin, are not pro-life laws. No matter how much those who dictate and protect them want to look the other way, in many cases they end up causing death. It is very paradoxical that such an argument continues to be used. contradictory.
Source: Hiper Textual
