By Sylvia Ghazarian
The surge of abortion bans sweeping the United States has ignited fierce debates about the rights of pregnant people and bodily autonomy. However, one critical dimension often overlooked is the devastating impacts on survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV), as well as the alarming rise in suicide rates among young individuals. Moreover, these effects are not uniformly distributed since BIPOC communities bear a disproportionate burden.
For survivors of IPV, the ability to access abortion is not merely a matter of choice but of survival. Domestic violence often involves reproductive coercion, where abusers manipulate contraception or force pregnancy to entrap their partners further. Access to abortion can be a crucial means for these individuals to regain control over their lives and break free from abusive relationships. Without the option to terminate unwanted pregnancies, survivors are often forced to remain tethered to their abusers, exacerbating their risk of continued violence and psychological trauma.
Studies have shown that women who experience IPV are more likely to have unintended pregnancies, and those who carry these pregnancies to term face increased risks of continued abuse.Abortion bans not only strip away a fundamental right but also effectively condemn many to continued abuse and suffering.
Compounding this issue is the pervasive disbelief faced by those who report domestic violence, IPV, or sexual assault. Survivors often find themselves subjected to intense scrutiny and skepticism, further traumatizing them. High-profile cases like those of Harvey Weinstein, E. Jean Carroll, O.J. Simpson, and Sean “Diddy” Combs highlight how survivors are often discredited and harassed throughout legal processes– just imagine what it is like for those cases that are not high profile. What is common in all cases is a societal bias that frequently questions the credibility of survivors rather than holding perpetrators accountable.
WRRAP funds over 21 percent of cases of IPV and these cases are increasing and tragically becoming more common: “I just had a child and was in a very toxic abusive relationship… I had no access to make money, no access to work or leave the house, no cell phone access, or car access, no friends, no nothing. He was mentally abusive and when things started to get worse, and he tried to get physical we immediately called the police and left and then found out I was pregnant again.”
The psychological toll of forced pregnancies and the stress of navigating restrictive abortion laws contribute significantly to the rising suicide rates among young individuals. The prospect of being forced to carry an unintended pregnancy to term can induce severe anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.
A study by JAMA Psychiatry found that the suicide rate among women of reproductive age increased in states with restrictive abortion laws compared to those without. The correlation between restrictive reproductive laws and mental health crises cannot be ignored. The inability to access abortion services exacerbates feelings of entrapment and despair, pushing some to the tragic brink of suicide.
The impact of these bans is not felt equally across all demographics. Black and Hispanic women face significant barriers to healthcare, including reproductive services, due to factors like lower income, lack of insurance, limited access to clinics and systemic racism within the healthcare system. Data from the Guttmacher Institute reveal that Black women are more than three times as likely as white women to experience unintended pregnancies, and Hispanic women more than twice as likely.
Moreover, Black and Hispanic women are statistically more likely to experience IPV, and restrictive abortion laws compound their vulnerabilities.
Culturally competent care for survivors of IPV and sexual assault is also critically lacking as many law enforcement officers and healthcare providers are not adequately trained to recognize or respond to the unique needs of survivors, particularly those from minority communities. Gaps in care further marginalize survivors, making it harder for them to receive the support and services they desperately need.
The need for a nuanced understanding of the impacts of abortion bans is urgent. These laws do not exist in a vacuum; they intersect with issues of domestic violence, mental health, and racial inequality.
Policymakers must recognize that abortion bans are a public health crisis. Ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services is critical to protecting the well-being and autonomy of all people. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for policies that uphold reproductive rights and provide comprehensive support for those affected by these draconian measures.
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