Horrifying: If A Woman Is Denied An Abortion, She's More At Risk For Domestic Abuse
One negative happening leads to another.


Turns out, denying a woman the right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy could pave the way for some serious consequences (besides, you know, taking away her legally-given right, and forcing her to bear a child against her will.) A new study from the University of California, San Francisco has revealed that women who have been denied an abortion are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse, and are less likely to to be able to escape an abusive relationship.
Violence in relationships is already a common occurrence among women receiving abortions: Up to 22 percent of these females shared reports of assault in their relationships with researchers. For a woman in an abusive relationship who was also able to receive an abortion, her chance of escaping was also greater. Keep in mind, too, that if a woman is forced to carry her pregnancy to term alongside her abusive partner, that child will be born into a home wrought with emotional and physical threats.
The timing of this study's findings couldn't be more poignant, as domestic violence and strict abortion regulations have become increasingly more debated. It seems that before both issues were separate, but perhaps they're more closely linked than people thought.
Related:
How I Saved Myself from an Abusive Boyfriend
Texas Judge Blocks Part of Controversial Abortion Law
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Photo via Getty Images

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.
-
'Ransom Canyon' May Give Texas the Small-Town Drama Treatment, But That's Not Where It Was Filmed
Here's what to know about the real-life ranches featured in the Netflix series.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
I Predict These 23 On-Sale Wardrobe Staples From Nordstrom Will Be Sold Out Next Week
23 Must-have shoes, tops, skirts, and more.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Fans Can't Stop Talking About This Rarely-Seen Royal After Easter Appearance
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie's son shocked royal watchers with his grown-up look on Easter.
By Kristin Contino
-
Cecile Richards, Former Planned Parenthood President and Women's Rights Activist, Has Died at Age 67
"Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives."
By Amy Mackelden
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
Features It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
How To Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast
-
The Supreme Court Is Hearing Arguments in a Case That Could Overturn 'Roe v. Wade'
'Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization' is the most consequential abortion rights case in decades.
By Rachel Epstein
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Trump Vows to Appoint Pro-Life Judge to Supreme Court
In a new interview with 60 Minutes, the President Elect confirms his stance on Roe v. Wade.
By Sally Holmes