Anyone know the actual numbers on pregnancy resulting from forcible rape?
I've seen estimates from 0.5% (1 in 200) to 5.0% (1 in 20).
Pregnancy for consensual, unprotected sex is around 1 chance in 20, or, 5.0%.
I'll guess that most rape victims are of child bearing age and have a reasonably high rate of birth control use.
Any links to serious data would be appreciated.
I also wonder if - legally - a criminal prosecutor, or a defense attorney, are allowed to inform the jury that a victim has become pregnant?
I cannot recall ever hearing this issue discussed.
In fact, I cannot recall ever hearing the subject of pregnancy discussed in a rape trial.
It seems like it could cut both ways with a jury.
Staunch pro-lifers might feel prejudice against the rape victim if she aborted the child before trial.
Or, staunch pro-choice jurors might feel prejudice against the defendant for adding a cruel insult to his already cruel injury.
You might want to check with “Life After Assault League” http://www.all.org/ It was begun by a woman/daughter rape victims.