Recognising and responding to reproductive coercion in Australian general practice

This thesis examines reproductive coercion (RC), when someone pressures or prevents another person from making choices about pregnancy and contraception. A literature review identified interpersonal and structural RC risk factors, linking RC to poor sexual, reproductive, and mental health outcomes. Interviews with health and social service providers indicated three forms of RC: explicit, implicit, and tacit, as well as clinical strategies to help those experiencing RC in general practice. Providers reflected on how their own bias can contribute to enabling RC. A survey in general practice found one in twelve women experience coercion around pregnancy decisions and one in seven women experience coercion around contraception, yet few were asked about it.