Reflecting on a Year Without Roe: Body Autonomy and Survivor Safety
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence reflects on the profound impact this has had on survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The past year has underscored the critical importance of body autonomy—a fundamental human right now under siege. Our commitment to supporting survivors and advocating for their rights has never been more urgent.
Since the overturning of Roe, abusers have found new ways to exert control over their victims, leveraging restrictive abortion laws to manipulate and trap them. The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports a disturbing trend: abusers are using the confusion and fear surrounding these laws to harass and intimidate their partners. Threats to report them to authorities or sue them if they seek abortion care have become more common tactics, deepening the power imbalance in abusive relationships.
The consequences of these threats are devastating. Survivors face increased risks of forced pregnancies, reproductive coercion, and physical violence. Many victims report their abusers sabotaging birth control or blocking access to abortion services, stripping away their autonomy and placing their health and safety in jeopardy. The tragic reality is that coerced pregnancy can be a tool for abusers to further entrap their victims, exacerbating the cycle of violence.
Body autonomy is not just a concept; it is a lifeline for survivors. The ability to make decisions about one’s own body is crucial for escaping abusive situations and reclaiming personal freedom. Restrictive reproductive laws not only undermine this autonomy, but also put lives at risk. We know pregnant individuals in abusive relationships face heightened dangers, including increased risks of maternal and infant health complications, and in some cases, fatal violence.
Over the past year, the reduction of reproductive rights has had a devastating impact on survivors across the country. At Resilience, we stand firm in our belief that everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their bodies without fear of coercion or violence. We recognize the resilience and strength of survivors who, despite these challenges, continue to fight for their safety and autonomy.
As we reflect on this anniversary, we renew our commitment to advocating for the rights of survivors. We call on our community to recognize reproductive coercion as a form of abuse and to stand with us in the fight for body autonomy. Together, we can create a safer, more just world for all survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs support, please contact us at 1-800-848-5991 or email GinnyP411@gmail.com. Your safety is our priority.
Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline Report on Reproductive Coercion and Abuse: reproductive-coercion-and-abuse-report-final.pdf (thehotline.org)
