Abortion bans have long been a controversial topic, and one of the major concerns has been the impact on pregnancies resulting from rape. A recent research estimate published in JAMA Internal Medicine sheds light on this issue, revealing alarming statistics regarding rape-related pregnancies in states that have implemented abortion bans after the landmark case of Roe v. Wade was overturned. In this critical analysis, we examine the implications of these findings and the consequences faced by survivors of sexual assault.
The research estimate indicates that more than 64,000 women and girls in states with abortion bans became pregnant as a result of rape. These cases occurred across 14 states, the majority of which did not have exceptions for terminating pregnancies resulting from rape. Shockingly, Texas accounted for 45% of the rape-related pregnancies within the study. Furthermore, 91% of these pregnancies took place in states without rape exceptions, highlighting the failure of such laws to provide reasonable access to abortion for survivors.
The research letter emphasized that very few, if any, of the women and girls who became pregnant due to rape were able to obtain in-state abortions legally. This stark reality raises serious questions about the effectiveness of rape exceptions in providing access to necessary reproductive healthcare. If survivors are unable to access safe and legal abortions, it forces them to endure further trauma by carrying unwanted pregnancies to term.
Twelve states are currently enforcing nearly complete bans on abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute. While Wisconsin and North Dakota have not banned abortion outright, access has been significantly complicated due to legal uncertainties and the relocation of North Dakota’s only abortion clinic. These restrictive measures contribute to the increase in patients traveling across state lines to seek abortion care, which was observed in the first half of 2023.
President Joe Biden has expressed his commitment to expanding reproductive rights and safeguarding the protections provided by Roe v. Wade. Advocates argue that the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022 has created a wave of legislation that infringes upon these rights. Enshrining the protections into law is vital to ensure accessible and safe abortion services for all women, especially survivors of rape who already face immense physical and emotional trauma.
The research estimate articulates a distressing reality for rape survivors in states with abortion bans. The failure of rape exceptions to provide reasonable access to abortion underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive healthcare policies. The statistics presented in this analysis should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public to prioritize the rights and well-being of survivors, ensuring they have the necessary support and options in the aftermath of sexual assault.