Why is it so dangerous to give birth in Georgia?

Georgia joins other Republican-led states in ranking among the highest in maternal deaths in the US, with 33.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to data compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics. While there are many reasons for this, these states all share some of the most radical bans on abortion in the country (see Did you know? below).. Being unable to access a safe abortion, often of necessity, in a timely manner can and does lead to devastating consequences. ​

Georgia Republicans’ House Bill 481 bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, before most women know they are pregnant. This is one of the biggest causes of maternal deaths in Georgia. 
Recent data shows states that have restricted abortion have fewer maternity care providers, more maternity care deserts, and higher rates of maternal mortality and infant death, particularly among women of color.  
 Whitney Rice, DrPH, MPH, Emory University, estimates what the potential consequences of Georgia’s early abortion ban could be.

•  “Our findings show that nearly 90 percent of abortions.in Georgia that were provided in the past would no longer be allowed under the current ban. While this certainly affects all people who seek care, the groups disproportionately affected are Black people, young people, and those with less education.”
•  “In Georgia, the rate of OB-GYNs per resident in metropolitan areas is more than double that for non-metro areas,” says Rice. “Having to drive long distances to access care can carry health risks during and outside of pregnancy, and while this presents a challenge for everyone, it’s especially problematic for Black people, who are more likely to forgo care due to a lack of resources.” 

Pregnancy requires careful monitoring by the patient’s doctor. Georgia is not a welcoming place for pregnant women and risks losing OB/GYN doctors to other states rather than face legal challenges. Talented medical professionals will not want to study or practice in a state where reproductive healthcare is restricted.

Republicans’ failure to fully expand Medicaid has left 60% of our rural hospitals on the brink of failure. Georgians who currently have no choice but to travel multiple hours just to see a doctor need real health care and real leadership: they’re getting neither from Brian Kemp and Republican leadership who again refused to expand Medicaid this legislative session.