Blog

Abortion Restrictions May Lead to Domestic Violence

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Apr 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

A recent study from the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that pregnant women (or recently pregnant women) were more likely to become victims of domestic violence that resulted in their death. The study also found this link to be stronger in states with limited access to abortions and suggested that medical professionals need to do a better job when screening for intimate partner violence in their pregnant patients. An increase in intimate partner violence screenings could result in more domestic violence criminal charges.

If your pregnant or recently pregnant partner decides to press domestic violence charges against you, your close relationship to them could lead to more serious criminal penalties. This is why it's important to hire a defense attorney with many years of experience handling domestic and intimate partner violence charges. Contact the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team online or call us at 888-535-3686.

Pregnant Women at Higher Risk of Domestic Violence

The researchers examined more than 9,000 homicides involving women aged 12 to 50 who were pregnant or died within one year postpartum. They found that women who were pregnant or recently pregnant (peripartum) had roughly a 14% higher chance of dying as a result of intimate partner violence.

Abortion Restrictions Increase Risk of Peripartum Homicide

The risk of homicide to pregnant women was even higher in states categorized as being restrictive to pregnant women seeking abortions. Peripartum women in these states had a 75% higher rate of being killed. Deaths of peripartum women were highest in Louisiana, Missouri, and Nevada. Louisiana and Missouri were categorized in the study as restrictive to abortion while the study considered Nevada as protective of abortion rights.

Stopping the Domestic Violence

To address these risks, the study's authors noted that medical professionals can use special screening tests to identify patients at risk of domestic violence. However, these medical professionals lacked the training on what to do next if their screenings found a potential victim of intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence Charges in New Jersey Need Immediate Action

In New Jersey, domestic violence is an especially serious criminal offense. This can result in not just increased criminal penalties, but a faster-moving legal process. In other words, you have less time to mount a legal defense. Before you know it, you could find yourself in jail, subject to a restraining order, losing a professional license, or losing custody of your children or visitation rights.

If you're facing any type of domestic violence charge, it's imperative that you get in touch with the Criminal Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. You can call us at 888-535-3686 or use the online contact form. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you get through the New Jersey court process and find the best possible resolution for your case.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu