Prevention of pregnancy resulting from rape - A neglected preventive health measure

Pregnancy following rape is a continuing and significant public health issu e. We estimate that the 333,000 sexual assaults and rapes reported in 1998, along with many more unreported, were responsible for 25,000 pregnancies. Potentially, as many as 22,000 such pregnancies could be prevented if all w omen who were raped received prompt medical. services, and if not already p rotected against pregnancy, were provided with emergency contraceptive trea tment.