Reproductive Coercion Among Latina Women and Strategies for Minimizing Harm

Abstract

IntroductionReproductive coercion (RC) describes a set of male partner behaviors that restrict women's reproductive autonomy. Latina women have higher risk for unintended pregnancy, which is an associated outcome of RC, and also RC itself, when compared to white women. The purpose of this study was to explore risk factors for RC, association with pregnancy intention and intimate partner violence (IPV), and the use of RC safety strategies among Latina women attending an urban clinic.MethodsThis mixed‐methods study with Latina women examined prevalence and risk factors for RC; evaluated the association between RC, IPV, and unintended pregnancy; and examined the use of safety and harm reduction strategies. A tablet survey was administered to 482 women attending a community health center, aged between 15 and 45 years, who self‐identified as Latina and had a past‐year dating or sexual partner.ResultsApproximately 1 in 6 (16.8%) experienced RC in the past year, and risk factors included younger age (AOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91‐1.00; P = .038) and concurrent IPV (AOR, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.06‐9.70; P<.001). For the 185 participants who reported a pregnancy in the past year, RC was associated with unintended pregnancy (OR, ‐0.27; 95% CI, ‐0.41to ‐0.13; P<.001). Approximately 10.6% of participants engaged in safety/harm reduction strategies, with implications for midwives working with women who experience RC.DiscussionThe study demonstrates the risk of RC in abusive relationships for Latina women. Midwives working with racially and ethnically diverse women have an important role in screening and support for safety/harm reduction strategies that include informing women about less detectable methods of contraception.