Glossary

Term · Pregnancy: Mind and Life

reproductive coercion

Also: birth control sabotage, pregnancy coercion

Pressure or control by a partner over a person's pregnancy, such as sabotaging birth control or forcing a decision about pregnancy. It is a form of abuse.

In plain words

Reproductive coercion is when a partner uses pressure, threats, or control to decide whether you become pregnant, continue a pregnancy, or stay pregnant. It can look like secretly removing or damaging birth control, refusing to use protection, or pressuring you to end or continue a pregnancy. It is a form of intimate partner abuse, and it is more common than many people realize. Pregnancy can make it worse. If you are afraid to tell a partner about a pregnancy, or someone is pushing you to hide it or to decide, that matters for your safety. You are not to blame. The National Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can talk through your options at any hour. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The deeper version

Reproductive coercion is a form of intimate partner violence that interferes with a partner's reproductive autonomy. It includes sabotage of contraception, pressure to conceive or to terminate, and control over pregnancy disclosure and care. ACOG Committee Opinion 518 (2012) places it within prenatal screening for intimate partner violence. Miller and colleagues (2010) found that pregnancy coercion was associated with unintended pregnancy and intimate partner violence among young women seeking care. Prevalence estimates vary widely with definition and population. Because disclosure can be dangerous, screening is done privately, with when needed. Evidence on intervention effectiveness is limited, and measurement of reproductive coercion is still being standardized.

Where it comes up

What mothers here say about reproductive coercion

No one has posted under this term yet.

Share your experience, or ask

Sign in with Google to post under this topic. Your first name and photo come from Google; you can change what shows later. No membership needed.

Sources

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Committee Opinion No. 518: Intimate Partner Violence (2012)
  • Miller E, Decker MR, McCauley HL, et al. — Pregnancy coercion, intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy. Contraception (2010)

The Mothership Topic Wiki is general information for mothers and the people who care for them. It is not medical, legal, or mental-health advice and does not create a provider relationship. Experiences posted by members are their own. In an emergency call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.