By Matt Underwood As I sit here with a heavy heart and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach, the news of 26,000 raped women in Texas being forced to give birth since Dobbs weighs heavily on my mind. It’s a staggering number that highlights a deeper issue within our society. The fact that so many women have had to endure such a traumatic experience is beyond comprehension. The pain, the trauma, the fear that these women must have faced is unimaginable.
The statistics speak volumes about the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in our society. It is a harsh reality that only a small percentage of rapists are prosecuted, let alone spend time behind bars. The thought that 97% of rapists walk free is a chilling reminder of the justice system’s failures in protecting and seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault.
The implications of these numbers are far-reaching. 26,000 unwanted children being brought into this world as a result of rape is a tragedy in itself. These children are at risk of being neglected and abused, and the cycle of trauma continues for another generation. The impact of such a high number of survivors being forced to carry their pregnancies to term is a burden that should not be placed on their shoulders.
It raises the question of how we, as a society, have failed these women. How have we allowed for such a high number of rapes to occur, without adequate justice or protection for the survivors? The fact that this is happening in a state where women have the power to vote is particularly troubling. It’s a stark reminder that our rights and freedoms are not guaranteed, and the fight for true equality and justice continues.
The thought of 26,000 women being robbed of their agency, their autonomy, and their right to make decisions about their own bodies is enraging. It’s a clear indication of the lack of empathy, compassion, and respect for women and survivors of sexual violence in our society. It’s a glaring reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a world where women are truly seen, heard, and valued.
As I grapple with the harsh reality of these numbers, I am reminded of the power of solidarity, of speaking out, of standing up for what is right. We cannot continue to allow for such injustices to occur. We must raise our voices, support survivors, and work towards a future where all women are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. The time for change is now. The news of 26,000 raped women in Texas being forced to give birth since Dobbs is a chilling reality that cannot be ignored. The sheer magnitude of this number is a stark reminder of the prevalence of rape and sexual violence in our society. It is horrifying to think about the trauma, pain, and fear that these women have had to endure. The fact that so many rapists continue to walk free, with only a fraction facing prosecution, is a testament to the failures of our justice system.
These statistics paint a grim picture of a society where survivors of sexual assault are not adequately protected or supported. 26,000 unwanted children born as a result of rape face a future filled with neglect and abuse. The cycle of trauma continues, perpetuating the ripple effects of violence and suffering. It is an indictment of our society that we have allowed for such a high number of rapes to go unchecked, without providing justice or solace to survivors.
The fact that this is happening in a state where women have the right to vote is particularly troubling. It raises questions about the lack of empathy, compassion, and respect for women and survivors of sexual violence. How have we failed these women? How have we allowed for their autonomy and decision-making to be stripped away so callously? These are questions that demand answers, that demand action.
As I reflect on these harrowing numbers, I am reminded of the power of solidarity and activism. We cannot afford to stay silent in the face of such injustices. We must speak out, support survivors, and work towards a future where women are truly valued, respected, and protected. The fight for equality and justice is far from over, and it is incumbent upon all of us to stand up for what is right.
The time for change is now. We must come together, raise our voices, and demand a society where sexual violence is not tolerated, where survivors are believed and supported. The future we want to see is one where every person, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and violence. We owe it to the 26,000 women in Texas, and to all survivors of sexual assault, to create a world where their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their dignity is upheld. It starts with us.