Reproductive Coercion & Abuse
SUMMARY
Understand how reproductive coercion and abuse can affect contraception, pregnancy and abortion decisions. Learn how to recognise control, explore real examples, and find safe, confidential support.
What is Reproductive Coercion and Abuse?
Reproductive Coercion and Abuse (RCA) involves behaviours aimed at controlling the reproductive choices and outcomes of a person who can become pregnant. It can be pregnancy promoting (pressure or force to become or stay pregnant) or pregnancy prevention (pressure or force to prevent or end pregnancy). Intimate partners, family members, carers, health providers, and others can use RCA.
Around 1 in 7 people seeking pregnancy options counselling in Australia report experiencing RCA. It is significantly more common among people who are experiencing other forms of domestic and family violence.
People experiencing Reproductive Coercion and Abuse may have their health records monitored, access to money or health care restricted, use of contraception sabotaged, or may be experiencing financial, emotional, technological, physical and/or sexual violence. When considering contraceptive options, they might prefer to use methods that are less detectable/ easier to hide or that are harder for someone to tamper with.
What does RCA look like?
RCA includes
Pressure to become pregnant
Controlling someone’s decision or ability to CONTINUE or END a pregnancy
Forced use of contraception or sterilisation
Learn more about RCA
Examples of RCA
Around 1 in 7 people seeking pregnancy options counselling in Australia report experiencing RCA. It is significantly more common among people who are experiencing other forms of domestic and family violence.
Recognise the signs
Are you in control?
Read these textversations between people who can become pregnant, their partners and parents to learn more about the different ways people may try to control your reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes.
Explore examples
Find your nearest Health Service
Search our network of trusted, pro-choice providers across Queensland.
Whether you’re looking for contraception, abortion care, or general reproductive health services, our map helps you locate:
Frequently asked questions
Reproductive coercion and abuse involves behaviours that control another person’s choices about pregnancy, contraception or abortion. It can include pressure, threats or force to become or stay pregnant, or to prevent or end a pregnancy.
Research shows around one in seven people who access pregnancy options counselling in Australia report experiencing reproductive coercion or control. It is often linked with other types of family or domestic violence.
Signs may include missing contraception, pressure to get pregnant, or a partner controlling access to money, transport or medical care. If something feels unsafe or forced, it may be reproductive control.
If you think someone you know is being controlled or pressured, listen without judgement and help connect them with confidential services like Children by Choice or 1800 RESPECT.
If you are worried that discussing contraception may put you at risk, consider options that are discreet or longer-acting. A counsellor or trusted healthcare provider can help you plan safely.
Queensland Wide Pregnancy Support Services
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