A new study finds that pregnant women in states that ban or restrict abortion are more likely to be uninsured and unable to access basic medical care.
Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the research analyzed data from over 20,000 women between 2014 and 2022.
In 2022, more than 258,000 pregnant women in the U.S. lacked health insurance—62% of them lived in abortion-ban states like Texas, Arkansas, and Florida.
These women were more likely to skip doctor visits, lack a personal doctor, or go without needed care, especially those with conditions like diabetes.
Researchers say limited Medicaid programs in these states are largely to blame. Many have refused to expand Medicaid or set strict income limits, leaving pregnant women without affordable care.
Experts warn the situation may worsen with proposed Medicaid cuts. They call for expanded coverage to ensure all women get the health care they need during pregnancy.
