Reproductive Autonomy Restrictions as Collective Violence

In this essay, we argue that policies that intentionally or unintentionally restrict reproductive autonomy constitute an act of violence. First, we discuss our guiding framework, highlighting the intersections between reproductive autonomy, reproductive justice, and violence. Second, we describe the importance of framing the restriction of reproductive autonomy as violence, emphasizing potential implications. Finally, we provide 3 illustrative examples of how governmental power-through the passage of laws-can both support and constrain reproductive autonomy across the life course: sex education, abortion restrictions, and parental leave policies. For each, we explain how the consequent harms overlap with those resulting from more traditional overt forms of violence. By framing the loss of reproductive autonomy as a form of violence, we underscore its profound and far-reaching harms, demanding urgent recognition and response as a critical public health and human rights issue. (Am J Public Health. 2026;116(3):329-336. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308276).