Reproductive Coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

"This research is an exploratory study into the issue of reproductive coercion in Aotearoa New Zealand, its identifying<br/ >features, and related and concurrent issues, such as other methods of IPV used by research participants' partners.<br/ >This research used a selective sampling method, targeting people who had experienced reproductive coercion by<br/ >a partner via posters circulated through social media and recruitment posters put up in sexual and reproductive health<br/ >clinics across New Zealand. Research participants were able to share their experiences of reproductive coercion via an online survey, and subsequently five participants gave in-depth accounts of their experiences via semi-structured interviews with the researcher. Questions focussed on features of reproductive coercion identified in the literature, namely controlled access to contraceptives, birth control sabotage, pressure to become pregnant, and controlled access to abortion. This research, given its exploratory intentions, also asked participants more broadly about their partners' behaviours during pregnancy (if they experienced a pregnancy), during labour and delivery (if they experienced giving birth), and during their post-birth recovery. Participants were also asked about their experiences seeking help and support, including whether their partner controlled or tried to prevent their access to pregnancy help, support and advice."