Reproductive Coercion and Abuse: Key Issues for Safeguarding in Abortion, Contraception and Maternity Care Settings

Abstract

(from the Executive Summary): Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) occurs when power and control is exercised over the autonomous pregnancy decision-making of another. Interpersonal RCA occurs between individuals, when someone seeks to reduce another’s individual autonomy over reproductive decision-making through coercive or controlling behaviour, deception, manipulation, threats, violence, or other forms of abuse. This includes regulating everyday behaviour in relation to the prevention or promotion of pregnancy, and/or access to reproductive healthcare services. RCA can also be institutionalised through laws, regulation, policy or practices when control is exerted on a non-clinical basis. Institutional RCA involves targeting groups or individuals to accept specific reproductive healthcare interventions, withholding them, or making access to other services dependant on their use. This research aimed to investigate policy and practice in abortion, contraception, and maternity care across the UK, undertaking qualitative research with healthcare professionals and experts in interpersonal violence, and it focuses on the safeguarding needs of those at risk of pregnancy.