R. Kelly, 54, the infamous American singer-songwriter, has been accused in a federal court of forcing a former girlfriend to have an abortion against her will during their five-year relationship marked by violence and coercion.

The former girlfriend, known in court as Jane Doe No. 5, told jurors that her relationship with R. Kelly began in 2015 when she was just 17 and that Kelly “chastised” her for disobedience by slapping her hard enough to leave bruises.

She went on the further detail her abusive relationship with Kelly, whom she alleges was violent towards her on numerous occasions.

He also forced her to have an abortion against her will in 2017, Jane alleges.

Kelly’s trial continues. He is accused of racketeering, kidnapping, forced labour and sex trafficking, as well as abusing six women. He has pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “The sad reality here is that forced abortion is not rare. In fact, many women report that they have been pressurised or coerced into an abortion, often by an abusive partner.

“Violence and abortion, which is also a violent act, often go hand in hand. And abortion, in many cases, underwrites the abusive behaviour of men towards women.

“Ridding the world of abortion means we must, in part, hold men to a higher standard and protect women from circumstances that lead to abortion.

“As SPUC’s Daniel Frampton writes, if ‘chivalry is dead’, it is because society ‘killed it; most of all because we no longer believe in it… and we must all take responsibility for this.’”

If you or anyone you know is suffering after an abortion experience, you can contact the Abortion Recovery Care and Helpline on 08456038501 for free, confidential, non-judgemental counselling. 

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