Pregnancy-associated homicide has emerged as a leading cause of death among pregnant women in the United States, with alarming disparities that disproportionately affect minority communities. Women under 25 years and Black women face the highest risks. Research indicates that the majority of these homicides are perpetrated by intimate partners, underlining a critical intersection between intimate partner violence and maternal health.
State laws and access to reproductive health care play a significant role in shaping these dangerous outcomes. Restrictions on divorce during pregnancy have been shown to correlate with higher rates of intimate partner homicide. In regions where finalizing a divorce is prohibited while pregnant, the incidence rate ratio jumps significantly, indicating that legal barriers can exacerbate the threat of violence.
Moreover, access to comprehensive reproductive health care is essential. The analysis showed a direct relationship between increased reproductive health care access and reduced homicide rates, particularly among younger Black and Hispanic women. As states implement more expansive reproductive policies, rates of non-intimate partner homicide decrease.
The findings call for urgent policy responses to alleviate these disparities. As barriers to divorce and reproductive health services create additional risks for already vulnerable populations, it becomes crucial for lawmakers to prioritize health and safety for pregnant women, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is vital to developing effective interventions that protect the most at-risk groups in society.
See “State Divorce Laws, Reproductive Care Policies, and Pregnancy-Associated Homicide Rates, 2018-2021” (November 8, 2024)
