Tragic homicide highlights risks faced by pregnant women in the U.S.
On April 9, 2020, the life of Francesca Harris-Scarborough, a 31-year-old pregnant woman, was cut short in Richmond, Virginia, when she was found shot twice in the heart inside her vehicle, sparking significant concern over the rising homicide rates among pregnant women, reports BritPanorama.
Francesca was three months pregnant when she was killed, adding to a troubling statistic: homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that pregnant women are more vulnerable to gun violence than their non-pregnant counterparts.
The research analyzed over 7,000 homicides of women of childbearing age between 2018 and 2021 and found that pregnant women faced a 37% higher firearm homicide rate compared to those who were not pregnant. Notably, more than two-thirds of these pregnancy-associated homicides involved firearms, emphasizing the dangers present when guns are accessible.
Dr. Lois Lee, a co-author of the study, underscored the connection between firearm availability and homicide rates, noting that every 1% increase in state-level firearm ownership correlated with a 6% increase in all-cause homicide rates and an 8% increase in firearm-specific homicide rates for pregnant women. “Even incremental increases in firearm availability may contribute to measurable increases in homicide risk in pregnant women,” she pointed out.
Lee also highlighted that the moments following a domestic violence protective order are often the most perilous for victims, as these situations may lead to increased violence from abusers. To combat this, stronger gun surrender laws and effective compliance measures are recommended. Dr. Kelly Roskam from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions emphasized the importance of rigorous follow-up in these laws to ensure better protection for victims.
The study highlights the intersection of systemic inequities and personal safety, indicating a need for broader policy changes rather than solely individual interventions. “These risks of homicide during pregnancy are shaped not just by individual factors, but by broader systems of inequity and structural racism,” Lee stated. She called for urgent policy reforms to address this complex issue.
In response to the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Shirley Scarborough established a nonprofit organization named Cry Loud, Spare Not, Speak Up. The organization aims to empower women affected by domestic violence in Virginia, focusing on community support and education.
Scarborough has initiated various programs aimed at fostering self-esteem among young girls, advocating that empowering youth can help mitigate the risks highlighted by her daughter’s tragic fate. “This way she will never die, we can always try to help somebody,” Scarborough reflected, sharing her hope that her daughter’s legacy can influence positive change.
Francesca’s story serves as a stark reminder of the realities facing pregnant women in the U.S. Amid ongoing discussions about gun violence and domestic protection, it underscores the urgent need for enhanced protective measures for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals.
