PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Public health officials are reaching out to women's doctors after the release of a particularly troubling report from the American Journal of Public Health that pregnant women are at an ever-growing risk of violence.
Pregnancy-associated homicides are on the rise. The risk of a pregnant woman being murdered is 35% higher than for women who are not pregnant. In addition, women with infants are also vulnerable.
Although the dramatic rise in crime in our major cities is contributing, the greatest risks can occur at home where women can be victims of domestic abuse.
Now, public health officials are strongly suggesting that domestic violence and highlighting risks of violence be brought up at visits to the doctor during pregnancy. It should be a major part of preventive care with the hope of avoiding problems before they occur.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
