Texas Infant Deaths Surge, Families Advocate for Everly’s Law

Texas is experiencing a troubling increase in infant mortality rates, with preliminary state data indicating a rise of more than 7 percent since 2021. Hospitals across the state report a growing number of newborn deaths, prompting serious discussions about reproductive and perinatal care. In light of this crisis, families and advocates are rallying for Everly’s Law, a proposed legislation aimed at providing grieving families more time with their deceased infants.

According to a report by KXAN, the rise in infant deaths has become a pressing public health issue, warranting immediate attention. Investigative reporter Arezow Doost highlighted the concerning statistics in an investigative segment, noting the emotional toll these losses have on families and the healthcare system. A peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed an even steeper increase of approximately 12.9 percent in infant deaths from 2021 to 2022, estimating around 216 excess infant deaths during that period.

The research, led by Johns Hopkins University, pointed to a significant rise in deaths linked to congenital anomalies, which contrasts with national trends. The study suggested that the increase may correlate with legislative changes affecting pregnancy termination, particularly after the Dobbs decision, which imposed stricter abortion laws. Experts stress the need for further investigation into the factors contributing to these alarming statistics.

Understanding Everly’s Law

House Bill 37, known as Everly’s Law, aims to establish a Perinatal Bereavement Care Initiative at the Texas Department of State Health Services. This legislation mandates that hospitals with a maternal care designation offer bereavement counseling and provide perinatal bereavement devices to families experiencing stillbirth or neonatal loss. These devices, defined in the bill, can preserve human tissue for up to 72 hours, allowing families additional time to grieve.

The law, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, will prioritize funding and training for hospitals that handle high-risk maternal patients. Advocacy groups and nonprofits are already collaborating with hospitals to facilitate access to these bereavement devices and enhance staff training on supporting families through their loss.

Despite these steps, healthcare professionals emphasize that bereavement devices alone are not a comprehensive solution. They advocate for enhanced prenatal care, specialized referral networks, and improved social services to address the broader context of infant mortality.

Addressing the Broader Impact

Many researchers argue that tightening abortion restrictions can lead to an increase in pregnancies with severe anomalies, ultimately affecting neonatal and infant mortality rates. Clinicians have noted that legal uncertainty following the Dobbs ruling has resulted in hesitancy and delays in providing care. Experts advocate for clearer regulations that prioritize patient welfare and support healthcare providers in making informed medical decisions.

Public health specialists stress the importance of preventive measures, such as educating families about safe sleep practices and ensuring access to high-quality prenatal care. They also highlight the critical need for targeted support in communities already experiencing high rates of infant mortality.

Legal scholars have connected the spike in infant deaths to SB8, Texas’s 2021 law restricting abortion after embryonic cardiac activity. The study published in JAMA Pediatrics indicated that this legislation lacks explicit exemptions for pregnancies with severe fetal anomalies, complicating the healthcare landscape for affected families.

As Everly’s Law approaches its implementation date, state officials and hospitals face the challenge of establishing the new bereavement program. Meanwhile, researchers continue to investigate the trends in infant mortality across Texas. Advocacy groups and public health professionals are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that this initiative will alleviate some of the suffering for grieving families while addressing the underlying issues impacting newborn health in the state.