§ 22-71. Legislative findings.

The Legislature finds that:

1.  Violence and abuse are often higher during pregnancy than during any other time in a woman’s lifetime;

2.  Women are more likely to suffer increased abuse as a result of unintended pregnancies;

3.  Younger women are at a higher risk for pregnancy-associated homicide;

4.  A pregnant or recently pregnant woman is more likely to be a victim of homicide than to die of any other cause;

5.  Homicide and other violent crimes are the leading causes of death for women of reproductive age;

6.  Husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends are often the perpetrators of pregnancy-associated homicide or violence;

7.  Moreover, when husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends are involved, the violence is often directed at the unborn child and/or intended to end or jeopardize the pregnancy; and

8.  Violence against a pregnant woman puts the life and bodily integrity of both the pregnant woman and the unborn child at risk.

Added by Laws 2009, c. 61, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.