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Maternal Deaths Surge Under Republican Presidents, Study Finds

3/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The BMJ Global Health study finds maternal mortality rises under Republican U.S. presidents due to cuts in family planning aid.
The study links an 11% increase in maternal deaths—about 45 more per 100,000 live births—to aid reductions tied to the global gag rule started in 1985 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump, the policy intensified with more than 90% of USAID family planning awards terminated.

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Story summary

The BMJ Global Health study finds maternal mortality rises under Republican U.S. presidents due to cuts in family planning aid.
The study links an 11% increase in maternal deaths—about 45 more per 100,000 live births—to aid reductions tied to the global gag rule started in 1985 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Under U.S. President Donald Trump, the policy intensified with more than 90% of USAID family planning awards terminated.