Abortion bans fail to reduce abortions but increase maternal deaths
Source: Greer Donley, Yvonne Lindgren. "Red states are stopping only lifesaving abortions.." April 20, 2026. slate.com
The Gist
The authors argue that abortion bans have backfired completely. Instead of reducing abortions, the bans have only made it harder to get life-saving medical abortions while people still get other abortions through travel or mail-order pills. Since the bans aren't working and are actually killing women, they should be eliminated.
Conclusion
Abortion bans are unworkable and serve no rational purpose, therefore they must be repealed
Premises
- Abortion rates have increased nationwide since Dobbs overturned Roe v. Wade, with increases in all but two states that banned abortion when accounting for travel and mailed medication
- The only type of abortion that has become more difficult to access is medically indicated abortions, with at least six women dying because of abortion bans
- People can still access abortions through travel to other states or mailed medication abortion pills, with 10,000-15,000 packages shipped monthly to ban states
- Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have risen in states with abortion bans, with disproportionate impact on women of color
- Hospital-based abortions have become more dangerous due to provider fear of legal consequences, while home-based medication abortions remain safe
- Anti-abortion legislators claim bans save fetal lives and protect maternal health, but data shows the opposite is occurring
Assumptions
- The primary purpose of abortion bans is to reduce the number of abortions performed
- Policies should be evaluated based on their actual outcomes rather than stated intentions
- Maternal health and safety should be prioritized in reproductive health policy
- Data from tracking organizations like Guttmacher and Society for Family Planning accurately reflects abortion trends