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In recent revelations, pop icon Anna Lee made alarming claims against her family regarding a long-term guardianship that has restricted her personal freedoms. Among the most shocking accusations was that she was forced to keep her intrauterine device (IUD) in place, despite her desire to remove it and expand her family. During a court session, she expressed, “I was told that under this guardianship, I am not permitted to marry or have a child.” She added, “I wanted to have the IUD taken out to try for another baby, but they refuse to let me have anymore children. This guardianship is causing me more harm than good. I deserve to live my life.”
Alexandra Greene, the president of a leading reproductive health organization, commented on Anna’s situation, labeling it as “reproductive coercion.” She tweeted, “We stand with Anna and all individuals facing reproductive coercion. Your reproductive health is yours alone—no one should make decisions about it for you.” Undoubtedly, she is right; no one should interfere with or attempt to dictate another’s reproductive choices.
Understanding Reproductive Coercion as Abuse
The American College for Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines reproductive coercion as “actions aimed at maintaining control over a partner’s reproductive health.” Essentially, this means that reproductive coercion is a form of abuse. When one person dictates another’s reproductive decisions or infringes on their bodily autonomy, they are violating a fundamental human right.
Moreover, an organization focused on empowering individuals with the resources to safeguard their reproductive health, Power to Decide, identifies several potential long-term effects of reproductive coercion, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), infertility, and psychological trauma caused by abuse.
Reproductive Coercion is More Widespread Than You Might Think
Unfortunately, reproductive coercion is more prevalent than many realize and can affect anyone, including men, gender-nonconforming individuals, and those in LGBTQ relationships. Dr. Michael Rivers, CEO of Power to Decide, highlighted in an email that one study in California found that over one in eight women aged 16-29 who visited a health clinic reported experiencing reproductive coercion, even without other forms of partner abuse. In abusive relationships, this figure rises dramatically, with about one-third of women reporting partner violence also experiencing reproductive coercion.
The issue is particularly pronounced within specific demographics. Dr. Rivers noted that Latina and Black adolescent girls seem to be more susceptible to reproductive coercion.
Forms of Reproductive Coercion
According to Power to Decide, reproductive coercion can manifest in various ways, including what Anna is facing in her guardianship, sabotaging birth control methods, intentionally transmitting STIs, and pressuring someone into unprotected sex. Another concerning act is “stealthing,” which involves removing a condom during intercourse without the partner’s consent. This act not only violates personal boundaries but also increases the risk of unintended pregnancies and STIs.
Other examples of reproductive coercion include coercing someone to become pregnant against their will, threatening to end a relationship if contraception is used, or forcing an individual to continue an unwanted pregnancy.
What to Do If You’re Experiencing Reproductive Coercion
It’s crucial for everyone to have the right to make decisions regarding their reproductive health. In a healthy relationship, your bodily autonomy and reproductive choices should be respected and valued.
If you find yourself in a situation of reproductive coercion, it’s essential to reach out to someone you trust for support. Additionally, consult your healthcare provider about birth control options that are less susceptible to tampering. Dr. Rivers suggests considering long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) as a reliable option for those seeking long-term solutions, as they can be discreetly administered. If you prefer not to use a long-acting method, you may find resources for discreet delivery of birth control, such as Make a Mom, which specializes in home insemination kits.
In cases like Anna’s, where guardianship complicates personal freedoms, the dynamics can be more challenging. Khiara M. Brooks, a law professor at UC Berkeley, remarked on the potential overreach of conservatorships in this context while acknowledging that marginalized individuals often find themselves in similar situations where their reproductive rights are compromised. Anna’s celebrity status may bring attention to issues that often go unnoticed.
If you or someone you know is facing abuse, there are resources available for assistance.
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Summary
Reproductive coercion is a form of abuse that infringes on an individual’s right to make decisions about their reproductive health. It can manifest in various forms, including controlling access to birth control and pressuring individuals into unwanted pregnancies. Everyone deserves the right to make choices about their bodies, and those experiencing reproductive coercion should seek support and resources available to them.