Texas Abortion Ban Linked to Surge in Sepsis Rates
Austin, Friday, 21 February 2025.
A ProPublica study reveals Texas’ 2021 abortion ban led to a >50% increase in sepsis cases among women with second-trimester pregnancy loss. Maternal deaths sharply rose, sparking policy review calls.
Rising Health Crisis Under Restrictive Laws
Data analysis of Texas hospital records reveals a stark increase in life-threatening complications since the state’s abortion ban took effect in September 2021 [1][2]. The number of sepsis cases among women experiencing second-trimester pregnancy loss rose from 67 cases in 2021 to 90 in 2022, and further increased to 99 cases in 2023 [3][4]. This represents a dramatic increase in the sepsis rate from 2.9% before the ban to 4.5% after its implementation [3], demonstrating a 55.172% increase in risk for affected patients.
Mounting Death Toll and National Contrast
The impact of Texas’s restrictive abortion laws extends beyond sepsis cases to overall maternal mortality. Hospital deaths among pregnant and postpartum women surged from 79 in 2018-2019 to 120 in 2022-2023 [1][5]. While the national maternal mortality rate decreased by 7.5%, Texas experienced a 33% increase from 2019 to 2023 [1][2]. Notably, the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee has decided to skip reviewing deaths from 2022 and 2023 [3], a decision that has drawn criticism from medical experts [1].
Medical Community Response and Legal Uncertainty
Healthcare providers are caught in a challenging position due to the law’s unclear parameters regarding medical emergencies [1]. The legislation threatens providers with up to 99 years in prison for performing abortions [1], leading to hesitation in providing care. Dr. Tony Ogburn, an OB-GYN in San Antonio, notes that ‘It’s black and white in the law, but it’s very vague when you’re in the moment’ [1]. This legal uncertainty has resulted in delayed interventions, particularly affecting patients whose fetuses still have detectable cardiac activity upon hospital admission [2].
Legislative Developments and Future Outlook
As of February 2025, Texas lawmakers are responding to these concerning trends. Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has acknowledged the need to ‘clarify any language’ in the abortion law [1]. At least seven bills have been introduced to create new exceptions or modify existing restrictions [1]. Democratic state Rep. Mihaela Plesa has filed legislation to expand health exceptions, responding to what she calls ‘infuriating’ findings [1]. While Gov. Greg Abbott maintains that the current law adequately protects women’s lives [4], mounting evidence of increased complications has intensified calls for legislative reform [1][2].