(857) Pregnancy-Associated Firearm Mortality in the United States, 2008- 2019

A total of 1,803 homicide and 1,929 suicide deaths from firearms were included.  Twenty-two percent (n=388) and 11% (n=212) of firearm homicides and suicides respectively, were pregnancy-associated. Victims of pregnancy associated homicide were predominantly Black (54.8%), single (76%), and had high school diploma or equivalent degree (41.2%).  Victims of pregnancy-associated suicide were predominantly White (80.5%). Among pregnancy-associated homicides and suicides, deaths occurred more frequently during pregnancy (63.4% and 40.3%). Compared to non-pregnancy associated homicides, pregnancy-associated homicides more frequently occurred in the victim’s home (51.5% vs 46.7%, p=0.02) and was related to ongoing conflict or violence between a current or former partner (61.6% vs 51.9%, p < 0.001).  Compared to non-pregnancy-associated suicide, pregnancy-associated suicides more frequently occurred in those who experienced intimate partner violence within a month of death (4.2% vs 1.3%, p=0.005).

Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is associated with firearm death in pregnancy