Pregnancy Resulting from Sexual Violence

Terms to know

• Rape is forced or alcohol/drug-facilitated anal, oral, or vaginal penetration.
• Rape-related pregnancy includes pregnancy that a rape victim attributed to rape.
• Reproductive coercion is when a person exerts power and control over reproduction through interference with contraception use and pregnancy pressure.
• Sexual coercion is unwanted sexual penetration that occurs after a person is pressured in a non-physical way.

Facts

One in 20 women in the United States have experienced a pregnancy from rape, sexual coercion, or both during their lifetimes. Specifically, over three million women have experienced pregnancy resulting from rape during their lifetimes. Nearly five million women have experienced pregnancy resulting from sexual coercion during their lifetimes.1

Victims often reported other negative health impacts. Among women who experienced pregnancy from rape, 28% experienced a sexually transmitted disease and 66% were injured. Additionally, over 80% were fearful or concerned for their safety. Among women who experienced pregnancy from sexual coercion, about 35% experienced a sexually transmitted disease. 1

Some groups of women experienced higher rates of rape or sexual coercion than others. For example, non-Hispanic Multiracial women experienced higher rates of rape, sexual coercion, or both compared with non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic women.1

Some women are raped by an intimate partner, including both current and former spouses or dating partners. Women raped by a current or former intimate partner were more likely to report rape-related pregnancy (26%) than those raped by a stranger (6.9%) or an acquaintance (5.2%).2

Thirty percent of the women who were raped by an intimate partner also experienced reproductive coercion from the same person. About 20% reported that their partner tried to make them pregnant when they didn't want to or tried to stop them from using birth control. Around 23% said their partner refused to use a condom.2

Importance

These findings are important because they help us understand the connection between sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and women's reproductive health. When we better understand the connections and causes of certain types of violence, we can enhance our understanding of how to prevent them.

What CDC is doing

CDC focuses on preventing violence before it starts. CDC's Prevention Resources for Action detail the best available evidence for preventing sexual violence and intimate partner violence. These resources also contain strategies to help states and communities support survivors and lessen the short- and long-term harms of violence.

To reduce sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and negative reproductive health outcomes, it is crucial to focus on primary prevention efforts. Primary prevention means using strategies to stop violence before it happens.

Efforts to prevent sexual and intimate partner violence can focus on promoting healthy relationship norms and helping people develop healthy dating and relationship skills. It is also important to emphasize efforts that involve engaging men and boys as allies and modeling positive masculinity. Efforts that support girls and women through education and employment as well as other opportunities, is also important for reducing their risk for sexual violence.

Additionally, combining services for sexual and reproductive health with violence prevention services helps ensure survivors receive comprehensive care.

Resources

• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org to chat one-on-one with a trained RAINN support specialist, any time 24/7.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 or visit online to chat one-on-one with a support specialist.

Additional resources including publications, data sources, hotlines, and more are available.