Pennsylvania Working to Protect Reproductive Rights and How These Rights Impact Women in Domestic Violence Situations
Reproductive rights are at the forefront of national and local politics. In early 2026, Pennsylvania lawmakers took a big step toward constitutionally protecting reproductive rights.
Reproductive rights, and lack thereof, have ripple effects – pregnant women face domestic violence at higher rates. If you’re a pregnant woman being subjected to domestic violence, the LLF Law Firm Family Law Team is here to protect you and your child. Our Family Law Team has helped countless women obtain restraining orders; contact us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
Pennsylvania’s Efforts to Protect Reproductive Rights
The Pennsylvania Legislature’s reproductive rights proposal would guarantee individuals the ability to make decisions about their reproductive health, including whether to prevent, continue, or terminate a pregnancy, and whether to access contraceptives or prenatal care.
As a hot-button political issue, the proposed bill is far from a sure thing. The Pennsylvania House only passed the bill by a hair with a 102-101 vote. Pennsylvanians are now waiting to see how the commonwealth’s Senate reacts. If adopted by the Senate, voting on the proposed Pennsylvania Constitutional amendment will be on the ballot for voters to decide.
How Are Reproductive Rights and Domestic Violence Connected?
When women don’t have access to reproductive healthcare, whether that’s birth control, the morning-after pill, or abortion, they can be forced to carry unwanted pregnancies to term. Pregnancy, particularly unwanted pregnancies, can be dangerous, especially when a woman’s partner is abusing them.
Health Impacts of Domestic Violence for Pregnant Women
Domestic violence is the most significant health threat to women during pregnancy. According to a 2023 publication, domestic violence affects about 325,000 pregnant women each year. Domestic violence is also underreported.
Domestic Violence is Life-Threatening for Pregnant Women
Further, homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women. In a U.S. News & World Report article, Homicide a Leading Cause of Death for Pregnant U.S. Women, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researcher Rebecca Lawn stated, “laws restricting women’s access to reproductive care and abortion can place women at further risk, since control over a woman’s reproductive choices often plays a role in intimate partner violence.”
Domestic Violence and Harm to the Baby
The mother isn’t the only person who can be harmed. According to the World Health Organization and medical research, babies of mothers subjected to domestic violence face serious health consequences. Domestic violence during pregnancy increases the likelihood of:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Pre-term birth
- Low birth weight
How the LLF Law Firm Can Help You
Our LLF Law Firm attorneys do everything in our power to ensure your safety. Often, that means helping those suffering from domestic violence obtain a restraining order against their abuser. In Pennsylvania, restraining orders are referred to as “protection from abuse orders” (PFAs). When you meet with our Family Law Team, we will explain how emergency, temporary, and final PFAs work in Pennsylvania and how to file for a PFA.
Retain the LLF Law Firm Today
At the LLF Law Firm, our Family Law Team is here to support you and protect your safety. We never judge, and we’re always in your corner fighting for you. Let’s talk through the PFA process today; call us at 888-535-3686 or online.