Chapter 1: The Underreported Threats During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. As the body undergoes significant changes, the prospect of nurturing a new life can lead to heightened stress and anxiety. Many expectant mothers find themselves researching potential pregnancy risks late into the night, questioning whether pregnancy poses a threat to their lives and wondering which bodily functions are under the most strain.

Fortunately, the overall mortality rate for pregnant women in the United States is relatively low. In 2020, there were about 3.6 million births, and the CDC reported around 700 deaths attributed to pregnancy complications, translating to approximately 17 deaths per 100,000 women.

However, this figure may not reflect the complete picture; early pandemic data hinted at a rise to about 25 deaths per 100,000, largely influenced by the psychological impact of lockdowns.

An alarming statistic that often goes unreported is homicide. Researchers have taken steps to estimate homicide rates among pregnant women and new mothers, revealing concerning insights.

Section 1.1: Investigating Homicide Rates

Since 2003, U.S. law mandates that death certificates indicate if the deceased was pregnant or had recently given birth. By 2018, this requirement was enacted across all states.

Epidemiologist Maeve Wallace from Tulane University and her colleagues analyzed this data and found that between 2018 and 2019, there were 273 homicide deaths involving women who were pregnant or had recently given birth. While some instances may have been coincidental, approximately two-thirds of these homicides occurred in the woman's home, suggesting they were likely perpetrated by a domestic partner.

Notably, Black and younger mothers (under 25) face a disproportionately higher risk. Firearms were involved in nearly 68% of these cases, illustrating a troubling correlation between pregnancy and violence.

Interestingly, pregnant women are more likely to die from violence than from leading medical causes such as hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, or sepsis combined.

Chapter 2: Addressing Homicide as a Leading Cause

The first video titled "Blood test to help identify risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy approved by FDA" highlights advancements in prenatal care that aim to mitigate risks associated with pregnancy.

As the statistics reveal, the homicide rate among pregnant women is alarming, yet there's a possibility for prevention. Many of these fatalities could be avoided.

By addressing the connection between maternal mortality and gun violence, we might reduce such tragic outcomes. Limiting access to firearms could significantly impact the rates of gun-related violence. Furthermore, enhancing support resources for domestic violence victims could help them escape dangerous situations before they escalate.

Healthcare providers could also be encouraged to implement more thorough follow-up care, monitoring for high-risk situations post-delivery.

Moreover, improving data collection would allow for a clearer understanding of the dynamics surrounding these homicides, enabling targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.

The second video titled "REBECCA IS SHAMED for Being PREGNANT at SCHOOL" addresses societal perceptions and challenges faced by pregnant women, emphasizing the need for support and understanding.

In conclusion, the data suggests that in the U.S., the greatest threat to pregnant women comes from their domestic partners and the presence of firearms. Homicide ranks as the leading cause of death among pregnant women and new mothers, with the majority occurring at home involving a firearm.

While modern medicine has significantly lowered the risks associated with pregnancy, the preventable nature of these homicides reveals systemic failures. Increased funding for counseling and support services, along with stronger legal protections for victims of domestic violence, is crucial.

As discussions around abortion rights continue, it is vital to allocate resources toward supporting new lives and addressing the hidden dangers they face.

The data shows that homicide remains a major unspoken concern for many pregnant women. If you found this information impactful, consider sharing your thoughts on Twitter and tagging @swestreich.