by A recent study estimates that approximately 65,000 pregnancies resulting from rape have occurred in the 14 states with abortion bans. The study utilized data from federal surveys on crime and sexual violence and was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
The findings highlight the concerning consequences of restricting abortion access for survivors of rape. The editors of the journal noted that survivors of rape face devastating circumstances when access to abortions is limited. However, the study does not provide details on whether these survivors opted for illegal abortions, sought medication abortion through mail services, traveled to other states where abortion is legal, or carried the pregnancies to term.
Earlier research has indicated that there were fewer than 10 abortions each month in states with bans, suggesting that the majority of rape victims were unable to obtain abortions in their respective states, even when exceptions for rape are permitted by law.
A 2022 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that nearly 70% of adults believe that abortion should be legal in cases of pregnancies resulting from rape. Despite this public sentiment, implementing the exceptions in practice presents significant challenges.
Dr. Sami Heywood, an ob/gyn and fellow with the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, stated that while an exception for rape victims may seem reasonable, it often creates more trauma and danger for those who have already experienced a traumatic event. Heywood emphasized that no other form of healthcare is exclusively reserved for individuals who can prove a crime took place, and it is unethical to expect victims of rape to navigate legal and logistical barriers that further harm them.
Experts also noted the unique challenges that rape victims face during their pregnancies. Compared to other pregnant individuals, those who become pregnant after rape may take longer to recognize their pregnancies due to trauma-related factors. This delayed recognition may eliminate the option of medication abortion, which has a time limit of 10 weeks. Additionally, victims of rape often know their attackers and may even live with them, making it difficult or dangerous for them to travel out of state to seek abortion care.
Dr. Rachel Perry, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Irvine, highlights the added burden faced by rape victims when it comes to accessing abortion care. She explains that victims may be unable to travel long distances to find providers and order abortion pills online due to safety concerns.
Dr. Samuel Dickman, the lead author of the study and the medical director of Planned Parenthood of Montana, emphasizes that the estimates from the study shed light on a daily reality faced by those working in reproductive health and abortion care. Unfortunately, this reality may be undervalued by the broader public.
The study ultimately underscores the urgent need to address the limitations on abortion access for rape survivors in order to ensure that they receive the care and support they deserve.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
