This is a first-of-its-kind analysis of sepsis rates in Texas’ second-trimester pregnancy loss hospitalizations

A first -of-its-kind analysis by ProPublica found sepsis rate in second -trimester pregnancy loss hospitalizations increased by more than 50% after Texas ’ near-total abortion ban went into effect in September 2021 .

The analysis also identified at least 120 in-hospital deaths of pregnant or postpartum women in 2022 and 2023 .

Sepsis rate in second -trimester pregnancy loss hospitalizations increased after the state’s abortion ban went into effect.

The surge was most pronounced in cases where the fetus may still have had a heartbeat when the patient arrived at the hospital.

Sepsis is a reaction to an infection, and the most common additional infection diagnosis in sepsis hospitalizations was chorioamnionitis, an infection of the amniotic fluid.

ProPublica found 120 women who died while hospitalized during pregnancy or up to six weeks postpartum in 2022 and 2023 in inpatient billing data.

Experts say the abortion ban is the only explanation they could see for the sudden jump in sepsis cases.

Our analysis gives us a broad view of care at Texas hospitals before and after a major policy change.