Study Links Abortion Bans to Increased Relationship Violence

Following the Supreme Court's pivotal 2022 ruling that dismantled federal abortion protections, experts expected various adverse effects on women and families.

One forecasted consequence has become a reality: there is a noticeable rise in domestic violence in regions enforcing stringent abortion bans. A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research reveals that intimate partner violence has risen by between 7% and 10% in counties where increased travel was required for abortion services in 2023 compared to 2017.

Economic and Social Implications

This situation has led to roughly 9,000 additional cases of domestic violence in states with restrictive abortion laws, translating to an alarming $1.24 billion in heightened social costs.

Researchers attribute the escalation in violence to multiple factors. Higher abortion access barriers lead to financial burdens due to missed work and longer travel distances—on average, 241 miles more compared to states without such laws. These barriers restrict options, potentially exacerbating mental and physical stress for both partners, thereby intensifying the potential for violence. Moreover, pregnancy is identified as a high-risk period, with pregnant partners facing a greater likelihood of homicide compared to non-pregnant individuals.

Impact of Abortion Restrictions

Women denied abortions because they missed clinic deadlines faced more violence than those who successfully obtained them. Abortion restrictions can heighten partner violence even when abortions eventually happen, notes Dhaval Dave, an economist from Bentley University involved in the study. He suggests delays, financial distress, and prolonged exposure to aggressive partners can deteriorate relationship dynamics, raising the likelihood of violence.

Disproportionate Effects on Vulnerable Groups

The study points out a more pronounced increase in violence among communities with lower education levels and incomes, indicating that such legal restrictions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Dynamics of Reproductive Influence

Intimate partner violence specialists are unsurprised by these trends, as reproductive coercion—where one partner seeks to control reproductive choices without consent—often accompanies restrictive abortion laws, says Sara L. Ainsworth of If/When/How. These laws enable abusers to hold reproductive decisions over victims, isolating them further as some states have criminalized assisting abortion seekers, complicating survivors' efforts to exit violent environments.

Threats and Legal Interference

Calls to hotlines about violent relationships are on the rise, including threats involving legal actions. The mere intimidation of police involvement is worrisome, even in states where such threats lack legal grounding.

Addressing the Crisis

Increasing access to legal assistance and medical care, particularly abortion services, could help mitigate domestic violence. Economic independence is crucial for victims to leave abusive situations, yet recent policy trends threaten this stability.

Many federally supported sexual-assault and domestic violence resources face funding cuts, reducing aid availability just as the demand rises. Meanwhile, looming reductions in essential services like SNAP and Medicaid might exacerbate economic dependence, trapping individuals in harmful relationships.