Abortion and domestic violence

Domestic violence is a common problem. Higher rates are found when abortion is repeated or not disclosed to partners. Policy makers and abortion providers need to consider the healthcare needs of abused women. Doctors can identify women experiencing domestic violence and provide support, including information about available resources. Changes to abortion law could particularly affect women who have been raped or who experience domestic violence. Learning objectives: To understand the relationship between domestic violence and abortion. To distinguish facts about domestic violence from cultural myths. Ethical issues: Training staff to deal with domestic violence requires support for those staff who are survivors or perpetrators of violence. Whatever the moral status of the fetus, domestic violence in pregnancy is a crime against women. Please cite this article as: Aston G, Bewley S. Abortion and domestic violence. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2009;11:163–168.