The association of federal Medicaid abortion funding restrictions with adverse obstetric outcomes among United States Medicaid recipients

Abstract

ObjectiveWe examine the association of the Hyde Amendment with obstetrical outcomes in a national Medicaid population. Study designWe conducted a national study of Medicaid-funded abortions to determine the association of restrictions on adolescent, preterm, low-birth weight, and short interpregnancy interval births using administrative data. ResultsStates that restricted coverage for abortion had a higher median rate of adolescent (10.2%; vs 7.4%; p-value < 0.001), preterm (11.4%; vs 10.1%; p < 0.001), short interpregnancy interval, (13.0% vs 9.6%; p < 0.001), and low birth weight births (10.2% vs 8.7%; p = 0.003) than states where Medicaid provided comprehensive coverage. ConclusionsRestricting federal funds for abortion is associated with adverse outcomes. ImplicationsWhen Medicaid does not provide comprehensive coverage for abortion care, few abortions are provided and higher rates of adverse obstetrical outcomes are noted.