Reproductive Coercion is a form of sexual and domestic abuse which is less talked about but is highly toxic and unhealthy. Reproduction coercion is basically influence and control over another person’s reproductive health and decisions. Reproductive coercion behaviour includes blatant attempts to impregnate a partner against their will, compel a partner to have unprotected sex, interfere with contraceptive methods, control the outcome of pregnancy or in some cases pressure into an abortion.
Parents, inlaws or partners can commit reproductive coercion in many forms, which is a clear violation of individual reproductive rights. Reproductive Coercion behaviour occurs in relationships where physical and sexual violation is common, It is considered a serious problem and the victim is at high risk of unintended pregnancy and breakdown. One Should watch out for toxic signs of reproductive coercion relationships and take remedial actions and help.
Signs of Reproductive Coercion Relationship
Hiding or destroying a partner’s contraceptives
Such as birth control pills, IUDs, Patches and Rings, Breaking or poking holes in condoms, and refusing to follow the practice of protective sex are obvious signs of Reproductive Coercion Relationships.
Threatening to end relationships
Constant Fighting and threatening to end relationships or being violent and aggressive till they have their way on issues such as pregnancy, abortion or other reproductive issues is a signal of toxic dominance and a clear sign of Reproductive Coercion in relationships.
Stealthing
Stealthing is a form of Reproductive Coercion abuse in which during or before sexual intercourse the partner removes the condom without other consent, It violates and threatens Reproductive autonomy and decision-making and gives a clear sign and answer of what their real intentions are.
Depriving financial and basic needs
Withholding the finances needed to purchase contraceptive pills or basic care needs in case of pregnancy or abortion so that they force you to plead for their condition and compel you to agree to their decisions any way they want.
Monitoring partner’s menstrual cycles
Some partners are so obsessed with their reproductive coercion behaviour that they keep a close watch on the menstrual cycle of their partner so that they can be in control of the situation and take advantage according to their own will.
Impact of Reproductive Coercion on Relationships
The trauma of unwanted pregnancy and Miscarriage
Unwanted, unintended Pregnancy and miscarriage lead to trauma and emotional and physical breakdown which dent the soul of the person and sometimes time is hard to recover.
Domestic violence and hostility
Reproductive Coercion behaviour leads to domestic violence and hostility which is horrifying and terrible to go through. The seriousness of the impact is such that victims sometimes end their life if not their relationships.
Sexually transmitted diseases
This is a serious health concern when your partner shows signs of reproductive Coercion behaviour, they intentionally and forcefully involve you in unnatural and unprotected sexual abuse which many times infects you with sexually transmitted diseases which put your life at stake.
How to Deal with Reproductive Coercion in Relationships
Cover yourself with a health care programme or insurance immediately
Prepare for the worst, If any complications arise one should be covered by a health care programme to take care of the expense and financial needs so that they don’t hesitate to make the right decisions about the situation which will help them recover both mentally and physically without any fear of financial worry.
Try to take sessions on planned parenthood collectively
Request and motivate your partner to take a joint session on planned parenthood which will make one aware of the implications and outcomes of reproductive coercion behaviour patterns.
Consult a psychiatrist or a counsellor
Have an open discussion about the issue, Try to understand it as an educational remedy which can help identify the root cause of this kind of behaviour and can collectively work together to make the relationship healthy.
Do not shy to Raise an alarm whenever needed
If you are in a Reproductive Coercion relationship, it makes the relationship vulnerable always get hold of a panic button, so you can directly get connected to any kind of help be it any expert, legal organisation or near and dear one.
Conclusion
Reproductive coercion abuse can be stopped and resolved with a strong will to regain self-control, self-confidence and self-dignity, But dealing with an aggressive and obsessive partner can be tough, Revolt, recover and regain your consciousness and fight back as it is important that the decision of whether one is ready for pregnancy or abortion should solely be yours, all women have the right to live free and healthy. We all have the social responsibility to ensure women’s reproductive autonomy is safeguarded and respected.
Q&A
Q1. Can men be a victim of Reproductive Coercion?
In most cases of Reproductive Coercion abuse, the victims are women, but men can also be deceived into fatherhood against their will, therefore both men and women can be victims of Reproductive Coercion abuse.
Q2. Why do guys do Stelthing?
Taking advantage of your partner, feeling a psychological thrill in dominating or finding sex more pleasurable without a condom may be a few reasons for Stealthing by men.
Q3. Who is at risk of Coercion?
Women are at high risk of Coercion control, Younger women, women with children or with their partners and dependents are more vulnerable to this kind of abuse.
