Examining how state abortion laws affect severe maternal health issues.
Official title: State-level variation in severe maternal morbidity, 2019-2023
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11023371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different abortion laws in U.S. states affect the health of pregnant women, especially those who might face serious health issues, by comparing hospital records from states with and without abortion restrictions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,049 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD116812-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who have experienced severe maternal morbidity, particularly in states with varying abortion laws.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have not experienced severe maternal health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of state-level abortion restrictions on severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among pregnant women. By analyzing hospitalization records from 42 U.S. states between 2019 and 2023, the study aims to identify how changes in abortion laws correlate with health outcomes for mothers, particularly those facing life-threatening conditions. The researchers will create a comprehensive dataset to compare maternal health outcomes in states with and without abortion bans, focusing on significant health consequences that may arise from these restrictions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights into how abortion laws influence maternal health, potentially guiding policy changes to improve outcomes for pregnant women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that restrictive abortion laws can negatively impact maternal health, suggesting that this study builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steenland, Maria Ward — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Steenland, Maria Ward
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.