Most states have laws preventing rapists from seeking custody and/or visitation of children conceived as a result of their sexual assault. Unfortunately, Indiana is not one of them.
Every year, between 17,000 and 32,000 pregnancies occur as a result of sexual assault. 73 percent of these women choose to carry their children to term, and 64 percent raise them themselves. These women have already endured enough pain without having to go through costly and emotionally traumatic custody battles with their assailants.
Forcing women to fight for custody of children conceived through sexual assault prolongs their healing process and leaves them vulnerable to harassment and intimidation. Please sign the petition to urge Indiana to cut off parental rights for rapists!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with the lack of protections against rapists seeking parental rights in Indiana. Most states have laws preventing rapists from seeking custody and/or visitation of children conceived as a result of their sexual assault. Unfortunately, Indiana is not one of them.
Every year, between 17,000 and 32,000 pregnancies occur as a result of sexual assault. 73 percent of these women choose to carry their children to term, and 64 percent raise them themselves. These women have already endured enough pain without having to go through costly and emotionally traumatic custody battles with their assailants.
Forcing women to fight for custody of children conceived through sexual assault prolongs their healing process and leaves them vulnerable to harassment and intimidation. We respectfully urge you to create legislation to prevent rapists from seeking parental rights in Indiana. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
