Reproductive Coercion and Relationship Abuse in Teens: An Important Wake-Up Call

In adolescents, relationship abuse including reproductive coercion (pregnancy coercion, condom manipulation, and other contraceptive sabotage) may contribute to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy, depression, substance abuse, and subsequent intimate partner violence. In a cross-sectional survey, investigators examined demographic differences, care-seeking, and sexual health behaviors among female students (age range, 14–19) seen at eight northern California school health centers who had experienced such abuse.

Of 550 students (40% Hispanic, 29% black, 16% multiracial, 13% Asian, 5% white) who had ever sex with a male partner, 12% reported reproductive coercion, 17% physical or sexual relationship abuse, and 17% nonp…