Reproductive coercion and abuse in Australia: what do we need to know?
Allison Carter
A B C * , Deborah Bateson D E and Cathy Vaughan F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
C Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
D Family Planning New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
E Speciality of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
F Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Sexual Health 18(5) 436-440 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH21116
Submitted: 24 June 2021 Accepted: 11 August 2021 Published: 4 November 2021
© 2021 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
Reproductive coercion and abuse refers to patterns of controlling and manipulative behaviours used to interfere with a person’s reproductive health and decision-making. Unintended pregnancy, forced abortion or continuation of a pregnancy, and sexually transmissible infections all may result from reproductive coercion, which is closely associated with intimate partner and sexual violence. Clinicians providing sexual and reproductive healthcare are in a key position to identify and support those affected. Yet, reproductive coercion and abuse is not currently screened for in most settings and addressing disclosures poses many challenges. This article discusses what reproductive coercion and abuse is, who it affects, how it impacts, and potential strategies to improve identification and response.
Keywords: contraception, domestic violence, family planning, health systems, partner violence, pregnancy, reproductive coercion and abuse, sexual and reproductive health.
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