Georgia Disbands Maternal Mortality Panel Over Abortion Deaths Leak

The state cites confidentiality breaches after reports linked preventable maternal deaths to its strict abortion laws.

Georgia's health department dismissed all members of its Maternal Mortality Review Committee after an investigation failed to identify who leaked confidential details about two maternal deaths.
The leaked reports revealed that the deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller were deemed preventable and influenced by Georgia's restrictive abortion laws, which ban most abortions after six weeks.
The disbandment has drawn criticism from reproductive rights advocates, who argue it could hinder maternal health oversight and silence warnings about the dangers of abortion restrictions.
State officials announced plans to restructure the committee with new members and enhanced confidentiality measures, claiming the move will not delay its responsibilities.
Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S., and the decision has amplified national debates on the impact of abortion bans on women's health.