Summary

After Texas banned abortion in 2021, sepsis rates among women hospitalized for second-trimester pregnancy loss rose over 50%, with maternal deaths increasing 33% from 2019 to 2023.

ProPublica’s analysis found that sepsis risk surged when the fetus still had a heartbeat, as doctors hesitated to intervene due to legal fears.

Maternal health experts warn that abortion bans delay critical care, endangering women’s lives.

Texas lawmakers, facing mounting evidence and public pressure, are considering amending the law to better protect patients, but changes remain uncertain.