Sexual Assault–Related Pregnancy: A Prospective Study in the Hadoti Region (Kota), Rajasthan

Sexual assault is a major public-health, legal, and social concern worldwide. One of the most serious consequences of sexual violence is unintended pregnancy, particularly among adolescents and young women. Such pregnancies often result in psychological distress, social stigma, educational discontinuation, and economic hardship. This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharaja Bhim Singh Hospital (MBS) Hospital, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 211 sexual assault survivors who consented to medico-legal examination were included. Demographic details, socioeconomic background, pregnancy status, and outcomes were analyzed. Among the examined survivors, 6.1% (13 cases) were pregnant at presentation. Most pregnant survivors belonged to the 13–18-year age group, were from lower socioeconomic status, and had limited educational background. In most cases, the accused was known to the victim, commonly a lover, friend, or neighbor. All pregnancies were medically terminated, and samples were sent for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) profiling. The study highlights the vulnerability of adolescents to sexual assault–related pregnancy and underscores the need for improved awareness, early reporting, psychosocial support, and coordinated medico-legal care.