OB-GYN doctors are now being encouraged to look for signs of a form of abuse called reproductive coercion. According to a team of doctors from the Ochsner health System in New Orleans, this abuse can include male partners denying or impeding the use of birth control by women.
For the study lead researcher Veronica Gillispie and her team reviewed surveys by pregnant women who reported to be in abusive relationships. As many as 25 percent of the women reported “pregnancy by sabotage” of their birth control devices.
“We want to make sure that health care providers are aware that this is something that does go on and that it’s a form of abuse,” says Gillespie.
Peer reviewer Dr. Rebekah Gee of Louisiana State University explains that its more common than some may think:
“Often, it’s about taking away choices, taking away freedom, control and self-esteem,” she adds.
Their data appears in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
by RTT Staff Writer
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