Next week, we will release a report examining the increase in reports of rapes against women across the U.S., which have increased by 42 percent between 2019 and 2021. In a post-Roe v. Wade world, abortion restrictions will increase the number of women forced to become mothers.
Since the Dobbs v. Jackson verdict, fourteen States have banned abortion, including ten with no exception for rape or incest (See Graph 1). Nine of these ten states had increased reports of rapes against women. Kentucky was the only state with an abortion ban that did not have an increase in reports of rapes against women.
Graph 1: States with a Ban on Abortion
Created by: Women’s Institute of Science, Equity, and Race. Data Source: New York Times
Consequences of Abortion Bans
While an increase in reports of rapes against women is egregious, the consequences for the women, their families, and society may be undervalued. For example, Pruitt found that women forced to interact with their rapist, the father of their child, during custody challenges experienced post-traumatic stress syndrome, which may lead to increased mental health care costs and potentially lost wages. She adds,
“Not only must H.H. continually confront these stimuli and situations which remind her of the rape, but she must do so cheerfully so as not to be accused by the court of fostering parental alienation, seven which, if found, may result in the court stripping her of primary custody of her son.” (page 832)
Parental Sacrifice
The sacrifices parents make often are financially and emotionally taxing. As I get older and continue to rear my kids, I better understand the sacrifices my parents have made for me and my siblings.
This Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day. Like many other children, I will travel this weekend to spend time with Dad.
Happy Father’s Day!
