According to experts, murder is the main cause of death of pregnant women

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Domestic violence experts warn that homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women.

After they sound the alarm soldier Schofield was accused of murdering his pregnant wife.

Misha Johnson went missing six months pregnant. The military charged her husband, Schofield Barracks Soldier Dewayne Johnson, with murder, the intentional killing of her unborn child, obstruction of justice and possession of child pornography.

In 2014, 27-year-old Charlie Scott, who was expecting a boy, disappeared on Maui, and only her jaw was found.

Her killer, ex-boyfriend Steven Capobianco, is serving a life sentence for her murder.

“Homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States. Between 50 and 75 percent of women who are abused during pregnancy will continue to be abused after giving birth,” said Monique Ibarra, CEO of the Center Against Domestic Violence.

In 2022, Harvard scientists found that pregnant women are more likely to die during pregnancy or soon after giving birth than to die from the three leading causes of maternal mortality, high blood pressure, bleeding or sepsis.

“Women in general are vulnerable to intimate partner violence, but when you add pregnancy to that, there are more stressors in the relationship that can be a trigger for an abuser,” Ybarra said.

Ibarra says help is available, and she encourages pregnant women to talk to their doctors.

“Healthcare providers are not mandated reporters if someone discloses that they are experiencing domestic violence,” Ybarra said.

“Healthcare providers are often very receptive to screening and asking these questions,” she added.

Domestic Violence Center hotlines

Oahu: (808) 531-3771
Toll Free: (800) 690-6200
Text: (605) 956-5680