Data from Louisiana shows that homicide is the second leading cause of death among pregnant people and those who have recently given birth (only accidental overdose has a higher death rate). This excellent NY Times piece combines statistical evidence and a heartbreaking narrative to highlight how domestic violence creates unsafe and potentially deadly conditions for too many people during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Our own research using national data has also found that homicide is an important contributor to deaths during pregnancy and postpartum and highlighted stark inequities in homicide death among Black and American Indian or Alaska Native mothers and those living in rural areas.
The Killing of New Mothers – New York Times
