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Journal article
Experiences of Reproductive Coercion Among Latina Women and Strategies for Minimizing Harm: "The Path Makes Us Strong"
Journal of midwifery & women's health, v 65(2), pp 257-264
01 Mar 2020
PMID: 31965745
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Introduction Latina women disproportionately report experiencing reproductive coercion (RC), a set of behaviors that interfere with autonomous reproductive decision making. Given RC's associations with intimate partner violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancy, it is critical to identify and address RC to assist women to achieve safety, autonomy, and reproductive life plans. The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the context of RC and the use of RC safety strategies among Latina women receiving services at an urban clinic, through listening to the experiences of the women in their own words.
Methods Qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 13 Latina women recruited from a Federally Qualified Health Center in the Washington, DC, area.
Results Data were organized into 3 a priori categories: (1) RC behaviors, (2) co-occurrence of RC and IPV, and (3) RC harm reduction strategies. New RC behaviors emerged, and immigration status was used as a method of coercive control. From these a priori categories emerged 4 themes: impact of immigrant and citizenship status, machismo, strength and bravery, and importance of family. Harm reduction strategies included less detectable contraception; some sought community services, but others resorted to deception and stalling as the only tools available to them.
Discussion Less detectable methods of contraception remained useful harm reduction strategies for women experiencing RC. Midwives should inquire about method fit and be mindful of honoring the request when patients ask to change methods. Women's strength and resilience emerged as a vital source of power and endurance. This diverse sample and the powerful voices of the women who participated make a significant contribution to the understanding of RC experienced by Latina women in the United States.
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Details
- Title
- Experiences of Reproductive Coercion Among Latina Women and Strategies for Minimizing Harm: "The Path Makes Us Strong"
- Creators
- Melissa D. Avery - University of MinnesotaJohn C. Jennings - Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterElaine Germano - Women's Health/MCH Consultant, Santa Fe, New Mexico.Tia Andrighetti - Frontier Nursing UniversityAmy M. Autry - University of California, San FranciscoKim Q. Dau - University of California, San FranciscoSusan Agard Krause - University of Massachusetts‐Baystate Springfield MassachusettsOwen C. Montgomery - Drexel UniversityTonya B. Nicholson - Frontier Nursing UniversityAudrey Perry - Frontier Nursing UniversityPhillip N. Rauk - University of MinnesotaHeather Z. Sankey - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts-Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts.Mark B. Woodland - Drexel University College of Medicine OBGYN Reading Health System Reading Pennsylvania
- Publication Details
- Journal of midwifery & women's health, v 65(2), pp 257-264
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 8
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000524926100010
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85078750007
- Other Identifier
- 991019167908104721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Nursing