It turns out that in the year 2024, it is STILL illegal in multiple GOP states for pregnant women to get divorced. Please read that again. A pregnant woman can still *file* for divorce in Missouri, but the court must wait until after a woman gives birth in order to finalize child custody and child support, which means that women in abusive relationships have no recourse while they are pregnant. Similar laws are on the books in Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas.
"It just doesn't make any sense in 2024," said Rep. Ashley Aune, who has filed a bill to finally get rid of this archaic and deeply misogynistic law. It just goes to show how little the GOP cares about the welfare of women that these laws have remained on the books for so long.
Tell red states to let pregnant women get divorced!
Women's rights advocates warn that these laws trap women in dangerous relationships. Approximately 10-14% of married women are raped by their husbands, and 20% of married rape victims reported that their partner intentionally tried to get them pregnant against their will.
During committee hearings, Aune shared the story of one woman's horror at finding out she was trapped. "Not only was she being physically and emotionally abused but there was reproduction coercion used. When she found out she was pregnant and asked a lawyer if she could get a divorce, she was essentially told no. It was so demoralizing for her to hear that. She felt she had no options."
No woman should ever be trapped in an abusive relationship for any reason. Get these laws off the books ASAP!
Demand Republicans let pregnant women get divorced!
