Interference with and abuses of sexual and reproductive health and rights: a new proposal for classification and terminology

Abstract

There has been overuse of the term ‘reproductive coercion’, with a potential for confusion and weakening of messaging. This opinion paper proposes a classification for the many and varied types of interference with, and abuse of, sexual and reproductive health and rights. It also stresses the need for accurate portrayal of behaviours, however uncomfortable this may be for survivors or perpetrators. There are a range of abuses including denial of access to services, control, pressure, threats, coercion and violence. Violence may consist of neglect, mistreatment, exploitation or sexual assault. Abuses are categorised sociologically, according to micro, meso and macro levels of influence. Many types of behaviour at meso and macro level contain elements of racism. It is concluded that the term reproductive coercion and abuse should refer only to micro level behaviour. Healthcare professionals should ascertain that no practices that could be considered abusive are taking place in their workplace.

摘要

“生殖胁迫”一词被过度使用, 有可能造成混淆和削弱信息传递。本意见文件建议对各种各样的对性和生殖健康及权利的干预和滥用行为进行分类。它还强调需要准确地描述行为, 无论这可能会让幸存者或犯罪者感到多么不舒服。有一系列的滥用行为, 包括拒绝提供服务、控制、压力、威胁、胁迫和暴力。暴力可能包括忽视、虐待、剥削或性侵犯。根据微观、中观和宏观影响水平, 从社会学角度对虐待行为进行了分类。在中观和宏观层面上, 许多类型的行为都包含种族主义的元素。结论是, 生殖胁迫和虐待一词只应指微观层面的行为。医疗保健专业人员应确定其工作场所没有发生可被视为虐待的做法。

Keywords:

• Reproductive
• sexual
• obstetric
• control
• coercion
• violence
• abuse

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).