A new major US study has found that the real risk of women dying during pregnancy and childbirth is three times higher than previously estimated, with scientists warning that restricting access to abortion could critically increase maternal mortality rates.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, covered data from 2018 to 2021, including nearly 15 million births and more than 3.5 million abortions. The analysis included deaths during pregnancy and within a year of delivery if they were related to pregnancy complications or infections that occurred during that period. It excluded cases related to COVID-19, miscarriages or illegal abortions, and those where the cause of death could not be clearly linked to pregnancy.
The results showed that on average, there are 32 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, and in 2021 this figure increased to almost 44. For comparison, in 1998–2005, the maternal mortality rate was 8.8–14.5 cases per 100,000 births. Scientists note that the increase reflects improved registration systems, rather than a sharp deterioration in women's health.
Researchers emphasize that limiting access to safe abortions can lead to a real increase in mortality among pregnant women and mothers. Another study proved that medical abortion at home up to 12 weeks is as safe and effective (97%) as in a medical institution. The two-stage method of taking medications allows to reduce the burden on medical institutions and expand women's reproductive freedom.
