maternal trauma

Homicide is more likely to cause maternal death than many obstetric complications. Women in the U.S. are more likely to be murdered while pregnant or shortly after giving birth than to die from the three leading obstetric causes of maternal death (pregnancy-related high blood pressure, bleeding, or sepsis).

Firearms are involved in a majority of these homicides. One study found that 68% of pregnancy-related homicides from 2009-2019 involved firearms.

Intimate partner violence is a major risk factor. Many of these homicides are linked to intimate partner violence, with one study finding that an intimate partner was the perpetrator in over 50% of cases.

There are significant racial disparities. Black women face a substantially higher risk of being killed during pregnancy or postpartum compared to white or Hispanic women. Some studies found African American women had 3-7 times higher risk than white women.
Young women are at higher risk. Women under 25, especially teenagers, have been found to be at increased risk in multiple studies.

Other risk factors identified include being unmarried, having a history of substance abuse, serious mental illness, and prior intimate partner violence.

Homicide deaths were more common earlier in pregnancy (before 21 weeks gestation) compared to later pregnancy or postpartum.

Maternal homicide refers to the killing of a woman during pregnancy.