Western North Carolina rates high in birth defects. In fact, we are one of the top-rated areas in the world. We are in a crisis situation. Some studies indicate that 50 percent of all relations experience violence at some point. More women are killed or injured by their partners than from all other sources of injury combined.
Pregnant women are particularly prone to their partners' abuse.
Women and their fetuses are vulnerable to severe injury with such attacks. The unborn child can sustain skull and femur fractures, early separation from the placenta and death. Neurological damage incurred in utero can create lifelong developmental problems for the child, Wilson added. Our goal is saving babies together. The health department's role is screening women in their maternity outreach program for birth defects, domestic violence, sexual abuse and substance abuse.