Gender-based violence (GBV) is an extreme violation of human rights, leaving survivors to grapple with profound physical, emotional, and psychological wounds. When survivors face additional barriers to reclaiming their autonomy—such as the denial of access to abortion—the impact of this violence is compounded, forcing them to navigate a path fraught with systemic injustice and neglect. This highlights a critical truth: access to safe abortion is not just a healthcare issue but a matter of dignity, autonomy, and recovery.
In this blog, we will discuss the consequences of denying abortion to the survivors of GBV, illustrate how it affects the well-being and rights of survivors, and make a case for easy access to safe abortion as a matter of reproductive justice.
Loss of Autonomy and Trauma
Denying abortion to survivors of GBV can exacerbate the profound psychological, emotional, and physical trauma they have already endured. For survivors, pregnancy resulting from violence often serves as a continual reminder of the assault, making healing and recovery even more challenging. The denial of abortion can not only retraumatize the survivor but also reinforce a sense of helplessness and loss of autonomy over their own body—a violation of their fundamental rights.
Abortion restrictions in such cases amplify feelings of being controlled or oppressed, mirroring the power dynamics inherent in the original act of violence. Survivors may feel that societal or legal systems don’t prioritize their well-being, safety, and mental health, further perpetuating feelings of injustice and neglect.
Impact on Health
Many survivors of GBV experience physical injuries or health complications as a direct result of the abuse, such as fractures, internal injuries, or sexually transmitted infections. Forcing these survivors to continue a pregnancy can exacerbate these conditions, potentially creating life-threatening risks. For some, pregnancy itself introduces additional physical strains, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, or complications during labor, which can be magnified in individuals whose bodies are already weakened by abuse.
When safe and legal abortion is not an option, many survivors are left with no choice but to seek out unsafe or illegal procedures. These procedures are often performed under unhygienic conditions by unqualified providers, leading to severe health complications, such as hemorrhage, sepsis, or uterine perforation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unsafe abortions are a major cause of preventable maternal deaths globally, disproportionately affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations, including survivors of gender-based violence.
The denial of abortion can also have a toll on the mental health of the survivors. On the one hand, the trauma and loss of autonomy can cause depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the other hand, the survivors may also experience deep resentment, anger, or guilt, particularly if they feel emotional or financial instability. Over time, these factors contribute to a diminished quality of life, making it harder for survivors to rebuild and heal.
Relationships and Dependence
Pregnancy can create a lasting dependence on the abuser, particularly in cases of intimate partner violence. This dependence often serves as a tool of control for the abuser, who may exploit the survivor’s pregnancy to maintain dominance. Abusers may use threats, manipulation, or even legal avenues, such as custody battles, to assert control over the survivor and keep them from leaving the relationship. For survivors, this tethering effect creates immense barriers to securing their safety and rebuilding their lives, as they may feel obligated to stay connected to their abuser for the sake of the child or out of fear of retaliation.
The circumstances are even worse for survivors who are not financially independent, as is common in many intimate relationships where one person often controls access to money, employment, and resources. Forced continuation of a pregnancy in such a case intensifies the economic vulnerability of the survivor because pregnancy and parenting come with substantial costs, including medical care, childcare, housing, and education. For survivors living in poverty or on the brink of financial instability, these added expenses may be insurmountable without the abuser’s support, further entrenching their dependence.
Abortion as Reproductive Justice
Access to safe abortion is a crucial component of restoring autonomy and dignity to survivors of GBV. It allows them to reclaim control over their own bodies and make decisions that prioritize their well-being, safety, and future. By providing survivors with the option to end a pregnancy resulting from violence, society affirms their right to heal on their terms and underscores the importance of their mental, physical, and emotional health.
Safe abortion care not only mitigates the retraumatization that forced continuation of pregnancy can bring but also serves as a vital step toward empowerment. It can break the cycle of dependence on an abuser, giving survivors the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from coercion or control. Moreover, access to this care is a testament to a community’s commitment to reproductive justice, equity, and compassion—offering survivors a chance to move forward without the added burden of an unwanted pregnancy.
Ultimately, ensuring access to abortion for survivors of GBV is not just a matter of health care; it is a profound act of solidarity and respect. It sends a powerful message that their rights and recovery matter, paving the way for a future where survivors are supported in reclaiming their lives and shaping their own paths toward healing and freedom.
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