“He took the condom off without me realizing it.”
“He hid my birth control.”
“He said he’ll break up with me if I don’t have an abortion.”
Do any of these statements ring true of your current or former partner? If so, read on to learn more about reproductive coercion and how to take control of your reproductive health.
Reproductive Coercion is when someone tries to maintain power and control in your relationship by controlling your reproductive choices. It can include behaviors like sabotaging birth control and controlling whether you continue or end your pregnancy. Reproductive coercion is a form of domestic violence, and you can reclaim your power.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, this article will discuss who has the right to decide about your unexpected pregnancy.
Everyone Has an Opinion About My Unexpected Pregnancy
It makes sense that you’re pregnant and should decide what to do about your unexpected pregnancy. Perhaps you thought your decision was made, but now you’re very confused because your partner is demanding one decision, your parents are demanding another, and your best friend says you should choose something else.
Oftentimes, women experience immense pressure from their partners to end their pregnancies with abortion, and it’s overwhelming. They hear threats of breaking up to physical harm if they continue their pregnancies.
If you’re pregnant and someone is pressuring you to have an abortion when you haven’t decided what your next steps will be yet, the tension you are experiencing is reproductive coercion.
What Happens if I’m Pressured Into Having an Abortion?
When someone pressures you, manipulates you, or threatens you because they want you to make a particular decision about your pregnancy, it is called reproduction coercion.
Research by the Elliott Institute reveals that 64% of women felt pressured by others to choose abortion. Most women felt rushed and uncertain about their abortion decision, with 67% not receiving any counseling beforehand.
Women who are pressured into their abortions are more likely to suffer from clinical depression, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and suicidal behavior after their abortions. For your physical, emotional, and mental health, it’s critical that you feel fully informed about all of your pregnancy options. You deserve an opportunity to weigh them in an unbiased environment and make a choice you can feel confident about.
Yet, how do you manage when others think they know what’s best for you? First, recognize that others usually advise you based on what’s best for them, not you. Next, set firm boundaries. For example, you can say, “I’ve already made my decision, and I will not discuss this anymore.” Taking a stand like this can feel uncomfortable, but it is healthiest for you to have a voice because it’s your voice that matters. What if you’re under the age of eighteen? Do you still have the autonomy to make your own decisions about your pregnancy?
Can My Parents Make Me Have an Abortion?
What if you are under the age of eighteen and your parents have strong opinions about your pregnancy choice? Can your parents make you have an abortion if you do not want one just because you are a minor? The answer is, “No. Your parents cannot force you to have an abortion even if you are under the age of eighteen.” Your choice is so protected that it is unlawful for your parents to coerce you into having an abortion.
The only exception is if your parents convince a judge that it would threaten your life medically to continue your pregnancy. However, even in this case, the final decision is yours, and you have the right to seek legal counsel and support. If you’re being pressured into any pregnancy decision, help is available.
Can My Partner Make Me Have an Abortion?
In addition to parents, your partner may also pressure you into having an abortion. He might not be ready for the responsibility of being a parent, or he may not want to be financially responsible for a child.
No matter the reason for a partner pressuring you to have an abortion, it is wrong. Nobody has the right to pressure you towards any decision about your pregnancy choice. Ways a partner might try to coerce you into an abortion may include:
- Begging, crying, or pleading
- Offering to pay for the abortion
- Threatening to break up with you if you do not have an abortion
- Threatening to harm you
- Threatening to kick you out if you live with him
- Telling you that he will not help you financially
- Telling you he will not help you during your pregnancy or afterward
- Emotional manipulation by saying things that do not sound like direct threats but plant doubt into your mind
Trust yourself. If you feel like your partner is pressuring you to make a decision that you aren’t ready to make, seek out someone safe to get the support you deserve. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
It is illegal in all 50 states to force a woman to have an abortion. Resources are available to you, including the Justice Foundation; if someone is pressuring you into a pregnancy decision, Corbella Clinic is here to help you.
Make an Informed Pregnancy Decision Without the Pressure
When you visit Corbella Clinic, we will answer all your questions and provide all the facts you need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy – without pressure. This empowerment is a crucial step in taking control of your reproductive health.
You will be empowered with accurate information, but you will never be coerced into any particular decision. Our licensed healthcare professionals offer compassion and believe you can make the best pregnancy decision for you.
If you think you might be pregnant or need help learning about your options before deciding what to do, contact Corbella Clinic today for a no-cost and confidential appointment. We’re here for you each step of the way, providing the support and guidance you need. You’re not alone in this journey.
Resources:
Center against forced abortions. The Justice Foundation. (n.d.). https://thejusticefoundation.org/cafa/
Reardon DC, Longbons T. Effects of Pressure to Abort on Women’s Emotional Responses and Mental Health. Cureus. 2023 Jan 31;15(1):e34456. doi: 10.7759/cureus.34456. PMID: 36874642; PMCID: PMC9981219.
The Elliott Institute. Unwanted, coerced, or forced abortions in America. (n.d.). http://theunchoice.com/pdf/FactSheets/ForcedAbortionFactSheet.pdf
