A RECENT POLL showed that 50% of women between the ages of 18 and 44 have been targeted for reproductive coercion, in which a person or group influences another person’s right to reproductive freedom and self-determination.
Studies show that women targeted for coercive control and women who have unplanned pregnancies are more likely to be targeted.
There are three main types of reproductive coercion:
- Pregnancy coercion
- Birth control sabotage, and
- Controlling the outcome of a pregnancy
The practice is also known as coerced reproduction, reproductive control, or reproductive abuse.
The poll, commissioned by BBC News, also showed that:
- 2/3 women were pressured by a current or former partner or family member not to use contraception.
- 1/5 women were forced to have sex without contraception.
- 1/10 women said their contraception had been intentionally tampered with, hidden, withheld, or deliberately damaged.
- 1/10 women reported that their partner had removed the condom during sex without their consent.
- 15% of the women in the survey were pressured to undergo a pregnancy termination against their will.
Forcing women to have sex without a condom turned out to be the most common type of reproductive coercion.
Non-consensual condom removal is a form of sexual assault in which a man removes or sabotages a condom during sex without the consent of his partner. Colloquially known as stealthing the practice has been on the rise in dating culture since 2017. Non-consensual condom removal is classified as rape under UK law and in some US states.
Why Do Men Practice Reproductive Coercion?
Men who practice reproductive coercion tend to be highly narcissistic. It is an act of abusive power and control driven by desire to dominate, manipulate, and dupe their partner to satisfy the perpetrator’s sense of entitlement.
There are online groups that encourage men to practice this insidious form of sexual assault that is ultimately a manifestation of misogyny.
Confidential support is available to anyone experiencing abuse.
Book a one-on-one consultation or coaching session.
NAR’s Journalistic Standards and Practices
About NAR • Report Typo or Error
