Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the United States and the most significant impacts on women’s health. In 2025, Texas ranked among the states with the highest maternal mortality rates, alongside Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. States with stricter abortion laws tend to have higher maternal mortality rates compared to those with more access to reproductive healthcare.
Maternal mortality rates refer to the number of women who die during pregnancy, childbirth, or within a year of delivery due to complications related to pregnancy or its management. These rates are often expressed per 100,000 live births and are a critical indicator of a region's healthcare quality and accessibility.
Texas Reproduction Laws
- Near-Total Ban: Abortion is prohibited in almost all circumstances, including cases of rape or incest. The only exception is when the life or health of the pregnant individual is at serious risk.
- Six-Week Rule: The Texas Heartbeat Act bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is typically around six weeks of pregnancy.
- Severe Penalties: Performing an illegal abortion can result in criminal charges, including first or second-degree felonies, fines of at least $100,000, and the revocation of medical licenses.
- Private Enforcement: The law allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or assists with an abortion, creating additional legal risks for healthcare providers.
The maternal mortality rate in Texas saw a 56% increase from 2019 to 2022, compared to an 11% rise nationwide. The rate among Hispanic women increased from 14.5 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 18.9 in 2022. For white women, the rate nearly doubled—from 20 per 100,000 to 39.1. Black women, who historically face higher maternal mortality rates, saw an increase from 31.6 to 43.6 per 100,000 live births. This sharp rise has been linked to restrictive abortion laws and confusion among healthcare providers about legal risks, which can delay necessary medical interventions. In 2023, the risk of maternal death in Texas was 155% higher than in California, reflecting disparities in healthcare access.
Texas Women’s Reproductive Health Outcomes
- Delayed Medical Care: Many women face delays in receiving necessary medical interventions due to confusion or fear among healthcare providers about the legal risks of performing procedures that could be interpreted as abortions.
- Increased Maternal Mortality: Studies suggest that maternal deaths and severe complications have risen since the implementation of these laws. For example, sepsis rates during second-trimester pregnancy losses have increased.
- Mental Health Strain: Women denied abortions often experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, which can have long-term effects on their overall well-being.
- Economic and Social Challenges: The inability to access abortion services can lead to financial strain, especially for low-income women, as they may face the costs of raising a child they were not prepared for.
- Health Risks from Unsafe Alternatives: Some women may resort to unsafe methods to terminate pregnancies, increasing the risk of severe health complications.
The rise in maternal mortality has disproportionately affected certain groups. Black women, who already face higher risks of maternal death nationwide, continue to experience elevated rates in Texas. However, the most striking increase has been among white women, whose maternal mortality rate nearly doubled during this period.
There are solutions!
- Expanding Medicaid coverage – Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage beyond 60 days to a full year can improve access to critical healthcare.
- Improving prenatal and postpartum care – Ensuring consistent, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and after childbirth can prevent complications.
- Addressing racial disparities – Targeted interventions for Black and Hispanic women, who face higher maternal mortality rates, can help close the gap.
- Enhancing mental health support – Providing better access to mental health care, including treatment for postpartum depression and substance use disorders.
- Increasing access in rural areas – Many Texas counties lack maternity care providers, making it essential to expand healthcare infrastructure.
- Strengthening hospital protocols – Standardizing emergency response procedures for complications like hemorrhage and hypertension can save lives.
Healthcare is not a crime—it is a fundamental service that helps people stay healthy and recover from illness. However, issues arise when healthcare is denied, exploited, or used as a tool for harm. To address these challenges, it is crucial to advocate for equitable healthcare policies that ensure everyone has access to quality care. This involves increasing transparency, enforcing ethical standards, and fostering an environment where healthcare is viewed as a universal right rather than a privilege. By doing so, we can work towards a more just and compassionate healthcare system that truly serves the needs of all individuals.
