Mitigating Homicide Risk During Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is increasingly recognized as a critical, yet often overlooked, contributor to adverse maternal outcomes.
• Firearm access within domestic settings presents a unique and severe risk factor in cases of IPV-related maternal death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the role of intimate partner violence and firearm access in maternal mortality.
• To highlight the intersection of domestic violence and lethal means in preventable deaths during pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Main Methods:

• This study synthesizes existing epidemiological data and case reports.
• Analysis focuses on documented instances where IPV was a contributing factor to maternal death.
• Specific attention is given to cases involving the presence or use of firearms.

Main Results:

• Intimate partner violence is a leading, yet underreported, cause of maternal death.
• Firearms are frequently involved in IPV-related maternal fatalities, escalating the risk of lethality.
• The combination of IPV and firearm access significantly increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Conclusions:

• Effective interventions must address both intimate partner violence and firearm safety to reduce maternal mortality.
• Public health strategies should integrate screening for domestic violence and risk assessment for firearm access.
• Policy changes regarding firearm access in domestic violence situations are warranted to protect maternal lives.