1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand urgent action to protect women—because right now, in the United States, pregnancy is becoming more dangerous in ways that have nothing to do with medicine. Homicide is now one of the leading causes of death for pregnant and postpartum women. Since 2020, these deaths have sharply increased—and they are overwhelmingly preventable. Let’s be clear: this is about violence against women. Nearly half of these killings are tied to intimate partner violence, and most involve firearms. At the same time, policies that trap women—whether through lack of domestic violence protections, barriers to leaving abusive partners, or restricted access to reproductive healthcare—are making that danger worse. When women cannot safely leave, cannot access care, and cannot control their own bodies, they become more vulnerable to lethal violence. Abortion access is not separate from this issue—it is part of it. Research shows that access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, is associated with lower rates of violence and better outcomes for women. When that access is restricted, women are more likely to remain in unsafe and coercive situations. This is not theoretical. It is measurable. And it is costing women their lives. I am urging you to act: - Strengthen firearm restrictions for domestic abusers - Fully fund domestic violence shelters and support services - Remove barriers that prevent women from leaving unsafe relationships - Protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion Women deserve safety. Pregnancy should not increase the risk of being killed. Do your job. Protect women.