Gabrielle Gippert
Research Mentor: Jessica Dozier
Mentor Department: Systems, Populations and Leadership, Nursing
Author(s): Gabrielle Gippert, Jessica L. Dozier
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Abstract
Abortion coercion (AC) by intimate partners, including pressuring individuals to either terminate or continue a pregnancy against one’s wishes, is a largely overlooked dimension of reproductive health and intimate partner violence research. Recent abortion policy restrictions across the U.S. may increase opportunities for partner interference in pregnancy decision-making, heightening the need to understand AC and its implications for reproductive autonomy. This scoping review synthesizes evidence on AC by intimate partners in the U.S. and identifies research gaps. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews, we systematically searched Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, and PubMed for original, peer-reviewed English-language studies published between 2005 and 2025. Grey literature searches were conducted in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Policy Commons, and the websites of relevant organizations. Of 4,276 publications screened, 50 sources, representing 46 unique studies, met inclusion criteria. AC was rarely the primary analytic focus (12%), and definitions and measurements varied substantially across studies. Most studies described behaviors consistent with AC without naming it, often within the broader context of reproductive coercion or intimate partner violence. These behaviors included tactics consistently aimed at influencing pregnancy continuation (e.g., emotional manipulation, threats, resource restriction, or moral and legal pressure) and tactics aimed at influencing pregnancy termination (e.g., ultimatums, false promises, and physical violence). Behaviors consistent with AC are documented across multiple literatures but rarely conceptualized as a distinct form of reproductive control. Developing clearer definitions and standardized measures is needed to advance research, policy, and clinical responses to partner interference with pregnancy decision-making.
