Season 3 Episode 8: Understanding Reproductive Coercion: An Interview with Dr. Heather McCauley
About This Episode
In this episode, David and Ruth interview Dr. Heather McCauley from the Consortium on Gender-Based Violence at Michigan State University. Dr. McCauley discusses the newest research on reproductive coercion and the correlations to intimate partner violence, unwanted pregnancy, STIs, and health issues.
Ruth, David, and Dr. McCauley address:
How important it is to identify common acts of resistance to reproductive coercion so we accurately assess survivors’ protective and safety strategies
How resistance to reproductive coercion often elicits violence, as does any form of resistance to a perpetrator of intimate partner violence
How a lack of professional awareness of the patterns and strategies of reproductive coercion is a danger to survivors and their safety and well-being
How reproductive coercion is much like the wartime strategy of rape to enforce compliance, frighten, and control
The need for men to be part of the discussion around consent, family planning, reproductive health, and the need for further engagement and accountability for perpetrators
With some governments moving to remove reproductive rights, bodily self-determination, and access to abortion and birth control, it is vital to have a discussion of what reproductive coercion is, how it most often manifests as behaviors, and what the impact is for survivors. Diving down into how reproductive coercion is supported by our societal attitudes, laws, and institutional practices is key to addressing the systemic nature of reproductive coercion.
The podcast also includes positive statements on the dignity and autonomy of women and addresses the prevalence of attitudes that support and normalize reproductive coercion.
Additional Resources
Podcast: Season 3 Episode 7: Understanding and Validating Survivors’ Acts of Resistance
Safe & Together Institute’s domestic abuse–informed trainings
Safe & Together Institute’s upcoming events
David Mandel’s book Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence