COMMENT & CONTROVERSY

Legalized abortion has reduced maternal mortality

“Troubling news: Maternal mortality is on the rise,” by Robert L. Barbieri, MD (October Editorial)

In 1972, the year before Roe v. Wade, the rate of maternal mortality in the United States was 34 deaths for every 100,000 births. In 1973, after legalization of abortion, the rate declined by 50%. Therefore, to the list of strategies to reduce maternal mortality, I would add: secure access to safe and legal abortion, when needed.