“Exposing Reproductive Coercion” Toolkit & Brochures Published
The Feminist Women’s Health Center of Atlanta, Georgia and The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), in collaboration with the National Organization for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS) have published a toolkit for clinicians, domestic violence workers, and women impacted by Reproductive Coercion, a form of Intimate Partner Violence. This toolkit provides credible, unbiased information for women as well as individuals working in the domestic violence and reproductive health fields.
The toolkit defines reproductive coercion as the behavior used to pressure or coerce a woman into becoming pregnant or into continuing or ending a pregnancy against her will, through the use of manipulation, intimidation, threats, and/or actual acts of violence. Women victimized by reproductive coercion may not recognize that these behaviors as abusive, particularly if there is no history of physical or sexual violence in their relationship previously.
Reports show that women experiencing reproductive coercion by their intimate partners have an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy as a result of pregnancy pressure and birth control sabotage. “We’re glad to have the opportunity to educate the community about reproductive coercion to help them recognize abusive behaviors in relationships and encourage them to take the steps to protect themselves and their reproductive autonomy,” said Janelle Yamarick, FWHC’s Executive Director.
Also available in both english and spanish is a corresponding brochure, “Recognizing & Addressing Reproductive Coercion: A Guide for Women.” Educating women about reproductive coercion can help them recognize abusive behaviors in their own relationships and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their reproductive autonomy.
The toolkit and brochure are available on this website for downloading and distribution to Clinicians, Domestic Violence Workers and Women Impacted by Reproductive Coercion.
