Materials and Methods: Aggregate data on abortion rates and indicators of maternal health status were collected from identified sources. Secondary data were thoroughly analysed to identify trends in abortion and maternal health outcomes in all three jurisdictions. The analysis produced time-trend graphics and descriptive visual charts to illustrate the evolution of the abortion rate.

Results: France exhibits a steady progress in perinatal health outcomes along with a firm, and permissive legislation on abortion with significant post-legalisation reductions in abortion-related maternal mortality. The U.S. experiences sharp oscillations associated with the prohibitive policy changes, especially after Dobbs case, including post-Dobbs case service disruptions and earlier evidence of mortality reduction under Roe v. Wade case. While India shows progressive legal reforms but the health outcomes are mixed showing long-term maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decline, slowed progress post-2015, and pandemic-related maternal care disruption.

Conclusions: Firm rights-based legal environments as is the case in France are linked to better health outcomes, while more restrictive contexts have been shown to reduce access and increase risks to health. Rights-based abortion laws are associated with lower abortion-related maternal mortality, while restrictive regimes show poorer outcomes.