Key context and definitions
When discussing what percentage of pregnant women are killed by their partner, it is important to define terms. Pregnancy-related homicide refers to the intentional killing of a woman while she are pregnant or within one year of pregnancy, often categorized as pregnancy-associated homicide. Perpetrator typically refers to an intimate partner, though data systems may also record killings by other family members. Reliable estimates usually come from national or regional homicide and maternal death surveillance systems, though coverage and classification vary widely by country and year.
Global overview and best available estimates
Globally, intimate partner homicide accounts for a substantial share of women killed, but the specific proportion of pregnant and postpartum women killed by a partner remains uncertain due to data limitations. The most frequently cited estimates come from systematic reviews, national maternal mortality reviews, and multisite studies, which vary by region and timeframe. In many high-income countries, a notable share of pregnancy-associated homicide is perpetrated by intimate partners, though non-partner and other familial motives also contribute. The following table summarizes representative findings from authoritative sources and how estimates differ across contexts.
Representative estimates of pregnancy-associated homicide and partner involvement
| Region/Coverage | Metric | Estimate or Range | Source Type and Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global (aggregate) | Share of women killed who are pregnant or postpartum | Approximately 10–30% across different regions | Systematic reviews and UNODC data compilations |
| High-income countries (aggregate) | Share of pregnancy-associated homicides by intimate partner | Roughly 40–60% | Maternal mortality reviews, national homicide databases (varies 1990s–2010s) |
| United States | Pregnancy-associated homicide rate per 100,000 live births | Around 10.4 (CDC Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance 2011–2020 average) | CDC surveillance with underlying cause and circumstances |
| United States homicide circumstances | Percent of pregnancy-associated homicides by intimate partner | Approximately 40–50% | CDC WISQARS and state maternal mortality reviews |
| Australia | Share of maternal deaths involving homicide, partner as perpetrator | Variable by triennium; a notable minority of homicide victims are pregnant or postpartum | National Maternal Death Working Party reports (periodic) |
| Low- and middle-income countries | Proportion of pregnancy-associated homicides by partner | Highly variable; often 30–60% in settings with strong intimate partner violence risk factors | Selected site studies and systematic reviews |
Risk factors and circumstances
Research shows that pregnancy can intensify risks in contexts where intimate partner violence is already present. Factors associated with elevated risk include a prior history of domestic violence, younger maternal age, co-occurring mental health or substance use conditions, social isolation, unemployment, and housing instability. Some studies indicate that financial stress, unplanned pregnancy, and relationship conflict can increase tension, though homicide is the extreme end of pregnancy-associated violence. Access to health care, crisis services, legal protections, and support networks can reduce risk and improve outcomes.
Data limitations and measurement challenges
Estimates vary widely because no single data system captures all relevant information globally. Key challenges include underreporting of intimate partner homicide, inconsistent classification of pregnancy status in death records, jurisdictional differences in how pregnancy-associated homicide is defined, and time lags in data release. Population-based studies and maternal mortality reviews tend to provide more accurate denominators than police or media reports alone. Recognizing these limitations is essential to avoid overgeneralizing from limited or outdated figures.
Protective factors and prevention strategies
Evidence-informed approaches to reduce pregnancy-associated homicide include universal screening for intimate partner violence in prenatal and postpartum care, trauma-informed training for providers, access to safe housing and hotlines, robust enforcement of protection orders, and economic supports that reduce coercive control. Community-based programs that connect at-risk individuals with counseling, legal advocacy, and peer support can lower escalation. Public health campaigns that normalize help-seeking and bystander intervention also contribute to prevention over time.
When to seek help and available resources
If you or someone you know is in danger, contact local emergency services immediately. Many regions offer confidential domestic violence hotlines, shelters, and legal aid. For U.S. residents, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and via online chat. Additional support is available through local health departments and women’s health centers that can connect individuals with counseling, safety planning, and practical resources. Safety planning should be tailored to individual risk factors and updated as circumstances change.