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On June 23, a high-profile individual made shocking allegations against her father and others overseeing her long-term conservatorship. One of the most distressing claims was that she was compelled to retain her intrauterine device (IUD) against her will, despite her desire to remove it and expand her family. During a court session, she stated, “I was informed that under the conservatorship, I am unable to marry or conceive.” She added, “I wanted to take out the IUD to start trying for another child, but … they don’t want me to have … more kids. So essentially, this conservatorship is causing me far more harm than good. I deserve to have a life.”
Alexis Taylor, the president and CEO of a prominent reproductive health organization, responded to these claims, labeling her experience as “reproductive coercion.” In a tweet, she expressed solidarity with individuals facing similar situations, emphasizing that “Your reproductive health is your own — and no one should make decisions about it for you.” This sentiment is undoubtedly true; no one should interfere with personal reproductive choices.
Understanding Reproductive Coercion as Abuse
The American College for Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines reproductive coercion as behaviors aimed at maintaining power and control regarding reproductive health within a dating relationship. Essentially, this means that reproductive coercion is a form of abuse. When one person dictates another’s reproductive choices or bodily autonomy, they are violating a fundamental human right.
Moreover, the organization Power To Decide, dedicated to promoting bodily autonomy and reproductive health, highlights the potential long-term consequences of reproductive coercion, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, and psychological trauma stemming from abuse.
The Prevalence of Reproductive Coercion
Unfortunately, reproductive coercion is more widespread than many realize. It can affect anyone, including men, gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals, and those in LGBTQ relationships, as noted by Dr. Emily Carter, CEO of Power to Decide. A study conducted in California found that over one in eight women aged 16-29 who visited health clinics and had not experienced other forms of partner abuse reported experiencing reproductive coercion—indicating that such control can occur even in non-abusive relationships. Among those in abusive situations, approximately one in three reported experiencing reproductive coercion. The study also revealed that more than one in seven women experienced birth control sabotage, while one in five faced pressure from partners to conceive.
Certain demographics are particularly vulnerable, with research indicating that Latina and Black adolescent girls face higher risks of reproductive coercion.
Forms of Reproductive Coercion
According to Power to Decide, reproductive coercion encompasses not only situations like the one mentioned above but also sabotaging birth control methods, intentionally transmitting an STI, and coercing someone into having unprotected sex. Stealthing, the act of removing a condom during intercourse without consent, is another non-consensual act that increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and STIs. Other forms include pressuring someone to become pregnant against their will, threatening to end a relationship or cause harm if contraception is used, or forcing a person to continue an unwanted pregnancy.
Seeking Help for Reproductive Coercion
Everyone has the right to make choices regarding their reproductive health. In healthy relationships, bodily autonomy and reproductive decisions are respected. If you find yourself in a situation involving reproductive coercion, it’s vital to reach out to a trusted individual for support. Consulting a healthcare provider about reliable birth control options is also crucial.
Dr. Carter suggests that long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are a suitable choice for those seeking lasting solutions, as they are effective, require no daily maintenance, and can be kept private. For those preferring non-long-acting methods, discreet delivery of birth control can be arranged through services like Hers or BCBenefits, which provides a year’s worth of free birth control pills to eligible users.
In conservatorship cases, like the one mentioned earlier, the situation can be more complex. Khiara M. Bridges, a law professor, points out that conservators often impose restrictions for financial and medical reasons. While she acknowledges that enforcing the use of an IUD is likely an overreach, she also recognizes that many marginalized individuals face similar obstacles regarding their reproductive rights.
For anyone grappling with abuse, support is available through various organizations.
The bottom line is that every individual, regardless of background, deserves the fundamental right to make decisions about their body and reproductive choices. Anything less is unacceptable.
Summary
Reproductive coercion is a significant form of abuse that can affect anyone, stripping away their autonomy over reproductive health. It can manifest in various ways, including birth control sabotage and pressure to conceive against one’s will. Individuals experiencing such coercion should seek help from trusted sources and healthcare professionals to regain control over their reproductive choices. Everyone has the right to make decisions regarding their own bodies, and support is available for those facing these challenges.
Keyphrase: reproductive coercion
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