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Data: March of Dimes; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios

Texas and other red states that are poised to ban or limit abortion already tend to have limited access to health care, poor health outcomes and few safety-net programs for mothers and children.

Why it matters: If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, as it's expected to, the ensuing increase in births will likely leave families with tough circumstances and strain systems already hanging by a thread.

Texas' so-called "trigger law," which would make abortions a felony, would go into effect 30 days after Roe is repealed.

Where it stands: Experts say there's already a shortage of obstetricians. 

In 2018, the number of Central Texas obstetricians and gynecologists met only 84% of demand, per state estimates.

Yes, but: In our region, that number is expected to reach nearly 90% by 2032.

By the numbers: In 2019, there were more than 57,000 abortions in Texas, according to the CDC. About 378,000 babies were born in the state that year.

Between the lines: Experts say abortion bans would also likely put more pressure on foster and adoption systems.

More than 2,000 children in Central Texas were in foster care at the end of the most recent fiscal year — including at least 460 in Travis County, per the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

And 5,925 kids statewide were awaiting adoption.

What they’re saying: An increase in births that would have otherwise not occurred "almost certainly means more foster children," said Richard Shannon, chief quality officer at Duke Health. And while the foster care system is "a vital social service, it is in desperate need of further improvement and will only be stressed by an increase in pregnancies and live births among moms who can't take care of their kids."

Texas unprepared for a post-Roe baby boom

Experts say abortion bans will put more pressure on U.S. foster and adoption systems.

Texas and other red states that are poised to ban or limit abortion already tend to have limited access to health care, poor health outcomes and few safety-net programs for mothers and children.Why it matters: If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, as it&#x27;s expected to, the ensuing increase in births will likely leave families with tough circumstances and strain systems already hanging by a thread.

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Utah's hospitals are highly consolidated, report shows

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A choropleth map of the U.S. showing share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or part of a monopoly in 2025. In North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, all hospitals are highly concentrated or part of a monopoly. In D.C., none are. Market concentration is particularly high in the mountain west and coastal south.

Share of hospitals that are in a highly concentrated market or are part of a monopoly, 2025

Data: Yale Health Care Affordability Lab; Map: Axios Visuals

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