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Published on: March 9, 2015
[Overview of practices dna analysis of abortion products in rape cases for genetic identification]
Camille Sauzedde1, Bertille Suzat2, Manon Godin3
1Service de gynécologie-obstétrique et médecine de la reproduction du CHU de CAEN, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14000 Caen, France.
Objective:
DNA evidence in legal purposes for rape cases is difficult to obtain, as the post-rape deadline for collecting DNA from the aggressor is 5 days. However, when the rape leads to pregnancy and the victim wants to undergo an abortion, it is possible to recover paternal DNA from the abortion product. The main purpose of this study is to study the practices of the various professionals concerned by this procedure.
Method:
Our multi-center study was conducted from January to April 2025. A questionnaire was distributed to the forensic and orthogenic unit, and to the genetic analysis laboratories of the justice, to report on their practices, knowledge and needs.
Results:
Only 10% of units have a cooperation protocol, 49% of medical teams felt in difficulty and 94% were interested in national recommendations. Evidence gathering without complaint was applied in 51% of units. The majority of biologists report no impact from the term and type of abortion.
Conclusion:
Considering the prevalence of this situation this study highlights that these procedures are underused. It is necessary to improve the screening of violence by carers, and to standardize their practices. A proposal of guidelines has been written to help departments with this process. DNA analysis of abortion products for legal purposes is rarely used, despite the evidence it can provide. It is important that medical professionals are made aware of this practice so that they can provide better support for these rape survivor women.
