Women's Reproductive Coercion and Pregnancy Avoidance: Associations With Homicide Risk, Sexual Violence, and...

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Reproductive coercion (RC) is a form of abuse where individuals attempt to control reproductive health decisions.
• Pregnancy avoidance (PA) can be a response to or a component of reproductive coercion.
• Understanding the factors associated with RC and PA is crucial for supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patterns of reproductive coercion (RC) and pregnancy avoidance (PA) among women in domestic violence shelters.
• To identify demographic, relationship, and violence characteristics associated with RC and PA.

Main Methods:

• A survey study was conducted with 661 women from domestic violence shelters in the southwestern United States.
• Two logistic regression models were used to analyze the data.

Main Results:

• Younger, African American, and Hispanic women reported higher rates of RC.
• Homicide risk, sexual intimate partner violence (IPV), and religious abuse were associated with RC.
• RC and homicide risk were associated with PA.

Conclusions:

• Demographic factors, IPV, religious abuse, and homicide risk are significantly linked to reproductive coercion and pregnancy avoidance.
• Findings highlight the complex interplay between abuse, reproductive control, and safety concerns for women in abusive relationships.
• Interventions should address these interconnected risks to support survivors effectively.