Do mandatory waiting periods for abortion increase intimate partner violence?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Criminology
• Reproductive Health Policy

Background:

• Abortion restrictions significantly impact access to reproductive healthcare services.
• Previous research indicates that abortion restrictions lead to reduced and delayed abortions.
• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread public health issue with substantial costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between mandatory waiting periods (MWPs), a state-level abortion policy, and the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• To explore potential mechanisms linking MWPs to IPV, including financial strain, health consequences, and household power dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two population-based datasets: the National Incident-Based Reporting System and Uniform Crime Report - Supplemental Homicide Reports.
• Employed difference-in-differences, event study, and staggered treatment timing methodologies.
• Analyzed the impact of state abortion policies on reported IPV.

Main Results:

• Mandatory waiting periods (MWPs) were found to be associated with an increase in the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• The study provides empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that MWPs can exacerbate IPV.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that restrictive abortion policies like MWPs may have unintended negative consequences on public health by increasing IPV.
• Results are particularly relevant for policymakers in the current post-Dobbs landscape concerning reproductive rights and public safety.