Citation

Clark LE, Allen RH, Goyal V, Raker C, Gottlieb AS. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 2014; 210(1): 42.e1-428.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital, Providence, RI. Electronic address: lilly1401@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajog.2013.09.019

PMID

24055583

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Reproductive coercion is male behavior to control contraception and pregnancy outcomes of female partners. We examined the prevalence of reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence among women presenting for routine care at a large, urban obstetrics and gynecology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Women aged 18 to 44 completed a self-administered, anonymous survey. Reproductive coercion was defined as a positive response to at least 1 of 14 questions derived from previously published studies. Women who experienced reproductive coercion were also assessed for intimate partner violence in the relationship where reproductive coercion occurred. RESULTS: Of 641 women who completed the survey, 16 % reported reproductive coercion currently or in the past. Among women who experienced reproductive coercion, 32 % reported that intimate partner violence occurred in the same relationship. Single women were more likely to experience reproductive coercion as well as co-occurring intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION: Reproductive coercion with co-occurring intimate partner violence is prevalent among women seeking general obstetrics and gynecology care. Healthcare providers should routinely assess reproductive age women for reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence and tailor their family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.

Language: en