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Table 2 Behaviour matrix, reproductive coercion and abuse

From: A conceptual re-evaluation of reproductive coercion: centring intent, fear and control

 

Pregnancy-promoting behaviours (examples)

Pregnancy-preventing behaviours (examples)

Coercive behaviour that attempts to influence or control women’s reproductive choices

Sabotaging contraception for the purpose of promoting pregnancy; incessant emotional pressure for a woman to be pregnant or continue a pregnancy

Emotional blackmail, threats, or other coercion to force women to carry out a termination or to use contraception to prevent pregnancy

Use of psychological or physical force to influence or control women’s reproductive choices

Threats to harm a woman or her children if she does not get pregnant or tries to prevent pregnancy

Forced sterilization of women with disabilities; threats to harm a woman or her children/family if she does not have a termination

Use of physical violence to force a woman to comply with perpetrator’s wishes

Physical violence if a woman tries to use contraception, or if a woman refuses to have sex when there is a risk of impregnation

Use of physical violence to induce miscarriage; physical violence to force a woman to use contraception

Use of sexual violence to force a woman to comply with perpetrator’s wishes

Forced sex to cause pregnancy