Gun violence is becoming a leading threat to pregnant women in the United States, as highlighted in a recent study that analyzed thousands of homicides across the country. The study, spanning from 2018 to 2021, revealed that pregnant women faced a 37% higher risk of being killed with a firearm compared to non-pregnant women.
Published in JAMA Network Open on November 10, the study showcased that over two-thirds of all pregnancy-related homicides involved guns. Dr. Lois Lee, an associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the study, emphasized the impact of firearm availability on the increased risk of homicide during pregnancy. She suggested that reducing the number of firearms could significantly lower the number of deaths among pregnant women.
The research also indicated that even a small rise in gun ownership could have a significant effect. For every 1% increase in firearm ownership, states experienced a 6% rise in overall homicide rates and an 8% increase in firearm-specific homicides among pregnant women. Dr. Lee emphasized the predictability and preventability of these deaths, calling for urgent policy changes to address the issue.
The study revealed that the highest number of firearm homicides among pregnant women occurred in the 20 to 24 age group, with a majority of victims being Black women. Dr. Lee attributed these findings to broader systemic inequities and structural racism, emphasizing the need for policy-level interventions to combat the issue.
Experts in gun violence prevention suggested that stronger firearm surrender laws could help protect women experiencing intimate partner violence. While most states prohibit individuals with final protective orders from purchasing firearms, many do not mandate the surrender of guns already in their possession. Programs like the one in King County, Washington, have shown success in recovering firearms involved in domestic violence cases, aiming to reduce the incidence of domestic violence-related homicides.
The devastating impact of gun violence on pregnant women was highlighted by Shirley Scarborough, who lost her pregnant daughter, Francesca Harris-Scarborough, to gun violence in 2020. In response, Scarborough founded the nonprofit Cry Loud, Spare Not, Speak Up in Virginia to support women experiencing domestic violence and promote self-esteem programs for young women.
The study underscores the urgent need for policy changes and interventions to address the escalating threat of gun violence to pregnant women in the United States. By implementing stronger firearm surrender laws and addressing systemic inequities, policymakers and advocates can work towards creating a safer environment for pregnant women and reducing the incidence of firearm-related homicides.
