The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:3:163-168
doi: 10.1576/toag.11.3.163.27500
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Abortion and domestic violence
Gillian Aston, PhD MA RN RM PGCEA, Lecturer1 and
Susan Bewley, MD MA FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician2
1. Kings College London, Division of Health and Social Care Research, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK Email: gillian.aston{at}kcl.ac.uk (corresponding author)
2. Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, c/o Womens Services, 10th Floor North Wing, St Thomas Hospital, Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7EH, UK
Key content:
- Domestic violence is a common problem.
- Higher rates are found when abortion is repeated or not disclosed to partners.
- Policy makers and abortion providers need to consider the healthcare needs of abused women.
- Doctors can identify women experiencing domestic violence and provide support, including information about available resources.
- Changes to abortion law could particularly affect women who have been raped or who experience domestic violence.
Learning objectives:
- To understand the relationship between domestic violence and abortion.
- To distinguish facts about domestic violence from cultural myths.
Ethical issues:
- Training staff to deal with domestic violence requires support for those staff who are survivors or perpetrators of violence.
- Whatever the moral status of the fetus, domestic violence in pregnancy is a crime against women.
Please cite this article as: Aston G, Bewley S. Abortion and domestic violence. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:163–168.
Keywords Abortion Act 1967 / Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health / emotional abuse / physical abuse / sexual abuse
Copyright © 2009 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.