Study Finds 64K Women & Girls Pregnant Due to Rape Post-Roe V. Wade

A recent research letter published by JAMA Internal Medicine sheds light on the alarming consequences of abortion bans in the United States. The study estimates that over 64,000 women and girls became pregnant due to rape in states that implemented abortion bans following the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Headed by the medical director at Planned Parenthood of Montana, the study uncovered shocking statistics. Approximately 520,000 rapes were associated with 64,565 pregnancies across 14 states. Most concerning was the fact that these states lacked exceptions allowing terminations for pregnancies resulting from rape.

Texas Leads with 45% of Rape-Related Pregnancies

Texas emerged as a focal point, with 45% of rape-related pregnancies occurring within the state. The study revealed that 91% of these pregnancies transpired in states without exceptions for rape, emphasizing the dire situation survivors face in accessing abortion services.

Flawed Rape Exceptions and Access to Abortion

The research letter pointed out the inadequacy of rape exceptions, suggesting that they are rendered "virtually meaningless." Dr David Himmelstein, a co-author, and School of Urban Public Health professor, criticized these exceptions, stating that they fail to provide reasonable access to abortion for survivors.

The study highlighted that "few (if any)" of the women and girls who became pregnant through rape could obtain in-state abortions legally. This failure highlights the limitations of rape exceptions, portraying them as mere "window dressing" that lacks effectiveness in facilitating abortion access in cases of rape.

Dr. Kari White, an executive and scientific director at Resound Research for Reproductive Health, expressed concern over the "shockingly high" numbers. She emphasized that the figures reflect the unfortunate reality of how common rape is in the United States, affecting millions of people each year, as noted by the CDC.

Abortion Bans Interfering & Reproductive Autonomy

The study highlighted the broader impact of abortion bans on individuals' ability to make personal decisions about their reproductive health care. Dr. White emphasized that survivors of rape, who have already had their reproductive autonomy compromised, face additional obstacles due to state policies interfering with their healthcare decisions.

The Guttmacher Institute reported that 12 states are enforcing almost complete bans on abortion, while Wisconsin and North Dakota face complications due to legal uncertainty and clinic relocations. The Supreme Court's overturn of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 has led to a surge in states restricting or banning abortion.

Following the Dobbs decision, there has been a notable increase in patients travelling across state lines for abortion care. Research from the Guttmacher Institute reveals that during the first half of 2023, nearly 1 in 5 individuals seeking abortions travelled to other states, highlighting the profound impact of restrictive state policies.

President’s Commitment to Reproductive Rights

President Joe Biden has been vocal about expanding reproductive rights, emphasising the need to enshrine protections provided by Roe v. Wade into law. His commitment to restoring abortion protections, should Congress pass a bill to that effect, reflects a pivotal point in the ongoing battle for reproductive rights in the United States.

In a society where the assumption often prevails that unplanned pregnancies are a consequence of 'carelessness,' this research paper unravels the harsh reality behind such misguided notions. Contrary to misogynistic assumptions, the study demonstrates that many instances of unplanned pregnancies are a result of traumatic experiences like rape, where an individual's fundamental right over their own body is violently compromised.

Denying abortion rights to survivors of sexual assault perpetuates an egregious injustice, further undermining their already violated bodily autonomy. This research serves as a poignant reminder that abortion rights are not merely a matter of choice but a crucial safeguard against perpetuating harm to survivors, affirming the urgent need for comprehensive legislation that respects and upholds the rights of those who have endured such trauma.