Systematic Review of Factors Associated with Reproductive Coercion and Abuse in the United States.
Alexandria L Hahn, Sarah Elizabeth Harkins, Susan M-I Maloney et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesised quantitative evidence on reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) and associated factors in the United States. It included 23 cross-sectional studies published in English through April 2024. Reported lifetime RCA prevalence ranged from 7.8% to 37.8%; most studies found a strong association between RCA and intimate partner violence. Associations with age, race, ethnicity, and number of sexual partners were also reported, but findings were mixed. All included studies had moderate or high risk of bias, limiting confidence in the prevalence estimates and associated-factor findings.
Key findings
- Across studies, lifetime RCA prevalence ranged from 7.8% to 37.8%.
- Birth control sabotage prevalence ranged from 1.1% to 25.3%, and pregnancy coercion from 6.4% to 19%.
- Most studies identified a strong association between RCA and intimate partner violence.
- All 23 studies were rated as having moderate or high risk of bias.
Why it matters
RCA can undermine reproductive decision-making, and the review indicates that it is commonly associated with intimate partner violence. However, wide variation in reported prevalence and weaknesses in measurement make the scale and correlates of RCA difficult to interpret. Better-defined concepts and validated measures are needed to produce evidence that can reliably inform clinical screening, interventions, and policy.
What to keep in mind
All included studies were cross-sectional and had moderate or high risk of bias; many did not assess intent or use validated RCA measures. Findings on several associated factors were mixed or limited.