What is reproductive coercion?
Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse in which one partner tries to control or interfere with the reproductive system of another, putting them at risk for unwanted and non-consensual pregnancies. Preventing someone from making choices about their own body is one of the most destructive ways to exert control.
What does reproductive coercion look like?
Reproductive coercion can take many forms, including but not limited to:
- Refusing to use a condom or other methods of birth control
- Sabotaging a partner’s birth control (throwing away pills, tampering with condoms, etc.)
- Stealthing, or removing a condom during sex
- Removing a partner’s IUD, ring, contraceptive patch, etc.
- Controlling finances to prevent a partner from obtaining birth control
- Forcing a partner to have an abortion
- Preventing a partner from having an abortion
- Forcing a partner into a continuous state of pregnancy to prevent them from leaving
How does reproductive coercion intersect with domestic violence?
Survivors of domestic violence can report that their partner interfered in some way with their reproductive freedom as part of the partner’s pattern of abuse. They might feel forced to stay in a violent situation, or to have children they did not want or intend to conceive. Violence also tends to escalate during pregnancy, and having children can then make leaving an abusive situation more difficult.
What are some resources for people experiencing reproductive coercion?
- Virtual healthcare providers like Hey Jane are built with privacy in mind, working with survivors to establish an abortion safety plan to minimize risk
- Abortion in America offers legal advocacy around reproductive harm through Amplify Legal.
If you are experiencing abuse involving reproductive coercion, know that you are not alone. Help is available. Call Safe Horizon’s 24-Hour HOPE Hotline at 1-800-621-4673 (HOPE) for free, confidential support.