A new analysis finds that state abortion bans and restrictions are likely to widen existing inequities in abortion access and exacerbate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation study, about 60% of Black women and 59% of American Indian and Alaska Native women of reproductive age live in states with abortion bans or restrictions, compared to 53% of white women and only 28% of Asian women.
The report highlights how women of color face greater barriers to traveling out-of-state for abortion care due to more limited financial resources and transportation options.
Uninsured rates for women ages 18-49 are at least twice as high in states that banned abortion compared to states with broader access. The disparity is even larger for some racial groups, with uninsured rates nearly three times higher for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women.
Experts warn that abortion restrictions may worsen existing racial gaps in pregnancy-related mortality. Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Black and American Indian/Alaska Native people already face higher rates of death during pregnancy or within a year after.
The analysis also suggests abortion bans could limit maternity care availability in certain areas and increase racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes like preterm and low birth weight deliveries.
These findings underscore how state-level abortion policies may have far-reaching impacts on maternal health equity and access to reproductive care, particularly for women of color.
See “State Abortion Bans are Likely to Deepen Inequities in Access to Abortion and Exacerbate Racial Disparities in Maternal Heath” (April 21, 2024)
