Gun violence has long plagued American communities, but a new study has cast light on one of its most vulnerable—and overlooked—victim groups: pregnant and postpartum women. A groundbreaking report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reveals that firearms are now a leading cause of death among women during pregnancy and shortly after childbirth.
This revelation has sparked alarm across the public health and policy sectors, with experts urging lawmakers to recognize the unique threats faced by expecting and new mothers.
Disturbing Findings: 76% of Pregnancy-Related Homicides Involve Guns
The JAMA study analyzed over 10,000 pregnancy-associated deaths across the United States from 2018 to 2022. What it found was both alarming and heartbreaking: 76% of pregnancy-related homicides involved a firearm. This makes gun violence one of the most common causes of death for pregnant and postpartum women—surpassing some well-known complications like hemorrhage or infection.
Most of the cases studied involved women under 30, and a disproportionate number were women of color—especially Black women, who continue to face higher risks due to systemic inequalities in healthcare and community safety.
State-by-State Breakdown: Where the Risk Is Highest
Some states showed dramatically higher rates of gun-related maternal deaths than others. Mississippi topped the list, followed by Missouri, Georgia, and South Carolina. A common thread among these states? Lax gun regulations, including no requirement for permits or background checks in many areas.
In contrast, states with stricter gun control laws—such as Massachusetts, New York, and California—reported significantly lower numbers of firearm-related maternal deaths.
These disparities highlight the powerful connection between gun policy and maternal health outcomes.
The Silent Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence
The study also exposed another painful truth: many of these deaths occurred in the context of domestic violence or intimate partner abuse. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are already times of heightened vulnerability, both physically and emotionally. Add in an abusive partner with access to a gun, and the risks escalate dramatically.
According to the CDC, women are more likely to experience their first incident of domestic violence during pregnancy. The availability of a firearm in such situations increases the chance of homicide by 500%.
Experts Call for Urgent Policy Reform
Healthcare professionals, women’s rights organizations, and public safety experts are now demanding action. Their recommendations include:
- Universal background checks for all gun purchases
- Red flag laws to prevent firearm access for individuals with a history of domestic violence
- Expanded mental health services for at-risk mothers
- Greater investment in maternal safety programs, especially in underserved communities
Dr. Katherine Clark, an obstetrician and co-author of the study, noted, “This is not just a gun control issue—it’s a maternal health crisis. We’re losing mothers, daughters, and sisters because we refuse to see the intersection of guns and gender violence.”
The Public Health Perspective: Prevention Is Key
Public health leaders argue that maternal safety must be part of the broader conversation about gun violence in America. Programs that screen for domestic abuse during prenatal care, educate mothers about safety resources, and train healthcare providers to recognize warning signs can play a critical role in prevention.
There is also a push for federal data collection on maternal homicides, which is currently inconsistent or missing in many jurisdictions.
Final Thoughts: Time to Protect America’s Mothers
The findings from this landmark JAMA study serve as a sobering wake-up call. Gun violence doesn’t only occur in schools or on city streets—it’s entering homes, hospitals, and maternity wards. Pregnant and postpartum women deserve the right to feel safe during one of life’s most vulnerable and transformative times.
As the U.S. continues to grapple with gun violence at large, policymakers must not overlook this silent, devastating trend. Protecting mothers is not only a public health responsibility—it’s a moral one.
