It’s Happening: TX Maternal Death Rates DOUBLED Because Of Anti-Choice Budget Cuts (TWEETS/VIDEO)

Between 2010 and 2012, the maternal death rate in Texas nearly doubled, and researchers are not sure why.

In 2011, the state drastically reduced their family planning budget. They also have super strict abortion laws, so 82 clinics ended up closing. Some of the clinics had never even done any abortions.

Sarah Wheat, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, said:

“Chances are they’re going to have a harder time finding somewhere to go to get that first appointment. They may be delayed in getting that initial pregnancy test and then a prenatal referral.”

In 2010, 72 women died from pregnancy or childbirth complications. In 2012, that number was 148. We are one of the few countries in the world where maternal death is getting worse, not better.

Here is a chart showing how services have been cut thanks to anti-Planned Parenthood laws:

The Texas Department of Health is looking into this issue. Spokeswoman Carrie Williams, said:

“We’re aware of the numbers and want to see a decrease in this trend, and that’s why the task force is closely reviewing these cases and will make recommendations.” 

An analysis of this issue is going to be published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology in September. The analysis says in part:

“Still, in the absence of war, natural disaster, or severe economic upheaval, the doubling of a mortality rate within a two-year period in a state with almost 400,000 annual births seems unlikely. A future study will examine Texas data by race–ethnicity and detailed causes of death to better understand this unusual finding.”

Slate reported:

“Texas, for its part,established a task force in 2013 to study pregnancy-related deaths; it’s due to make its first set of recommendations in September. The task force hasn’t yet hinted at the contents of its report, but common sense suggests that replenishing the millions of dollars in funding the state has drained from women’s health clinics might be a good start.”

Featured image by jennykarinaflores via Flickr, available under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Hi, I'm from Huntsville, AL. I'm a Liberal living in the Bible Belt, which can be quite challenging at times. I'm passionate about many issues including mental health, women's rights, gay rights, and many others. Check out my blog weneedtotalkaboutmentalhealth.com