Reproductive coercion and abuse among pregnancy counselling clients: Prevalence, trends and directions

Background

Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) interferes with a person’s reproductive autonomy and can be classified into behaviours that are pregnancy promoting or pregnancy preventing (including coerced abortion). However, prevalence data is lacking, and little is known about whether particular forms of RCA are more or less common.

Aim

The aim of this study is to explore how frequently people seeking pregnancy counselling reported RCA, the prevalence of the different forms of RCA, and whether there were different trends based on a range of demographic factors.

Methods

Data was collected from 5,107 clients seeking counselling support for their pregnancy from two leading providers of pregnancy counselling and sexual and reproductive health services, Marie Stopes Australia and Children by Choice. Counsellors recorded the presence of RCA and whether the behaviour was pregnancy promoting or pregnancy preventing. Demographic factors included age and whether the person was from a migrant or refugee community or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

Significance

This research aims to elucidate forms and prevalence of RCA, beginning to fill some of the gaps in understanding about RCA both locally and globally. The findings will inform the further research directions of the collaboration/research group, and be used to support the education provision and service delivery of partner organisations, along with providing a better understanding of RCA within the women's health, violence and healthcare sectors and research community.

Funding Budget

Small grants being won to support publication and RA fees; no significant funding to date.

Project start date

June 2020

Expected completion date

January 2022