Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Autonomy in Canada: A Scoping Review

Forty-four per cent of Canadian women who have been in an intimate relationship during their lifetime have reported experiencing violence. IPV can include physical, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse as well as reproductive coercion, coercive control, harassment, and stalking. Reproductive autonomy is defined as having the power to independently control reproductive matters. The objective of this study was to assess the scope of evidence on intimate partner violence and reproductive autonomy among Canadian women.

To provide an overview of evidence and identify gaps for future research, a scoping review using a comprehensive database search strategy was used. 7908 articles across 4 databases were screened using Covidence. 9 peer-reviewed articles published in English, focusing on reproductive autonomy and/or reproductive decision-making and intimate partner violence, and took place in Canada were screened and selected for data extraction, informing numerical and descriptive content analysis.

Using thematic analysis methodology, the scoping review findings demonstrate that reproductive decision-making among women is influenced by their partner through various forms of violence, which impacts how they utilize reproductive services. Women presenting for services including abortions, STI testing, emergency contraception, and other services may indicate an IPV relationship. Women in these situations experience a lack of autonomy and control over their health and decision-making.