A new study estimates that there have been about 64,565 pregnancies resulting from rape in the 14 states that have enacted abortion bans over the past 4-18 months. Other research shows there have been fewer than 10 abortions per month in ban states, suggesting most victims have not been able to access abortions even in states with rape exceptions. About 70% of adults say abortion should be legal in cases of rape, but putting such exceptions into practice creates further trauma and barriers for victims. Factors like delay in recognizing the pregnancy, knowing the assailant, and inability to travel out of state make accessing abortions exceptionally difficult for rape victims. The study uses statistical assumptions to estimate the scope of the issue and raise awareness of who may be affected by abortion bans, even in states with rape exceptions like Idaho. The estimates illustrate what reproductive health providers see every day – that rape exceptions do not adequately provide access or protect victims in ban states.
Source:
CNN
January 24, 2024
Nearly 65,000 Pregnancies From Rape Have Occurred in States With Abortion Bans, Study Estimates
Conclusion: Red states want to perpetuate the rape gene.