Harinina: Warnings to teens and women in abusive relationships to prevent ...

Warnings to teens and women in abusive relationships to prevent pregnancy

?An issue rarely discussed is domestic violence and pregnancy prevention.? Although many women believe that having a baby with an abuser may change the relationship and reform a violent partner, pregnancy is actually more likely to have the opposite effect on an abusive spouse or boyfriend.? In fact, 1 in 6 abused women report abuse during pregnancy according to the Centers for Disease Control, and 4-8% of women report domestic violence during pregnancy.

Many women have few options while living in a violent household. However, pregnancy can be prevented.? If abstinence or taking birth control pills are not viable options, there are other methods of birth control that can be used while living in a volatile environment.? Pregnancy is a choice, and prevention is possible while living with a batterer.

While batterers continue to gain custody and unsupervised visitation of minor children born into abusive relationships, women in violent relationships have a choice to protect themselves and future generations from the cycle of violence and abusive partners.? Pregnancy prevention in an abusive relationship can eliminate the cycle of violence, child abuse, trauma, and future ties to a batterer.? Domestic violence creates a home environment of constant fear for children and can have life long lasting effects on all family members.? With over 3 million children witnessing violence each year, pregnancy prevention in abusive relationships can be practiced to prevent future tragedies.

If you are a victim of violence interested in preventing pregnancy, please see a Planned Parenthood professional and schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your options.

Discrete birth control methods are: