Reproductive Autonomy Under Pressure: A Qualitative Exploration of Reproductive Coercion in Intimate Relationships in Canada

Reproductive coercion refers to behaviors that interfere with another person's reproductive trajectory, whether by sabotaging contraceptive use, exerting pressure to become pregnant, or coercion to continue or terminate a pregnancy. Despite its profound impact, the repercussions of reproductive coercion on reproductive autonomy remain poorly documented. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured interviews with women and non-binary people, which were transcribed and analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach. This article focused on 30 participants, aged 18 and over, who experienced reproductive coercion from a male intimate partner. Three overarching themes emerged from the analysis. These themes illustrated the spiral, in which control over one's reproductive health gradually erodes and becomes threatened; followed by the chain reaction , leading to an unplanned pregnancy; the irreversibility , whereby some participants experience their bodies as being placed at the service of others. A conceptual model was then developed to illustrate the progressive narrowing of reproductive autonomy . The findings further highlight the importance for health and social service providers of considering reproductive coercion within its broader structural context, including the cultural and social influences that shape it.