Article
Reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence in obstetrics and gynecology patients.
Am J Obstet Gynecol
(2014)
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
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 18-44 years 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. Health care providers should routinely assess reproductive-age women for reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence and tailor their family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly.
Disciplines
Publication Date
January, 2014
Citation Information
Amy Gottlieb. "Reproductive coercion and co-occurring intimate partner violence in obstetrics and gynecology patients." Am J Obstet Gynecol Vol. 210 Iss. 1 (2014) p. 42.e1 - 8 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amy-gottlieb/4/