Work

How Common Is Abortion Coercion? Evidence From a Large US Sample of People Assigned Male at Birth

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Reproductive coercion encompasses a range of partner behaviors that violate reproductive autonomy, including contraceptive sabotage, coercion to become pregnant, and controlling pregnancy outcome (i.e., forced continuation or termination). Coerced abortion is often cited as a reason to restrict abortion access. We examined data on the prevalence of reproductive coercion behaviors including abortion coercion. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 3199 people living in the United States and assigned male at birth, administered by Prolific, which measured lifetime use of 13 reproductive coercion behaviors. RESULTS: Participants most commonly removed condoms without consent (13.1%) and refused to use condoms (8.8%). 2.0% of participants reported attempts to force abortion and 4.3% reported blocking abortion access. CONCLUSION: Restricting abortion access was twice as common as forced abortion, undermining legislative rationales for abortion restrictions.

Source: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.1111/psrh.70077

Authors: Karen Trister Grace, Elizabeth Miller, Elizabeth Tobin‐Tyler

Institutions: George Mason University, University of Pittsburgh, National Center For Child Health and Development, Brown University

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,120