Reproductive coercion and abuse leading to birth in women from Afghan/Iranian backgrounds living in Australia
1
Psychology, Adelaide University, Adelaide, Australia
2
Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Family and domestic violence is a recognised health and welfare concern worldwide. However, reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA; a form of violence that undermines women’s reproductive autonomy) remains poorly understood – particularly in relation to culturally diverse families. This study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of women from Iranian and Afghan backgrounds living in Australia, along with interpreters who have worked closely with women from these communities in healthcare settings.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Farsi (with women) and in English (with interpreters). Thematic analysis was employed to examine women's experiences of RCA, with particular attention to the influence of cultural and linguistic factors.
RESULTS:
Preliminary results highlight the impact of RCA on women's health and wellbeing, especially after birth. The results also demonstrate the ways in which equity factors such as migration, language, and culture intersect to shape reproductive autonomy.
DISCUSSION:
The findings of this study have important public health implications, including the need for culturally responsive screening, interpreter training, and support services to better identify and assist women experiencing RCA during pregnancy.
Family and domestic violence is a recognised health and welfare concern worldwide. However, reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA; a form of violence that undermines women’s reproductive autonomy) remains poorly understood – particularly in relation to culturally diverse families. This study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of women from Iranian and Afghan backgrounds living in Australia, along with interpreters who have worked closely with women from these communities in healthcare settings.
METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Farsi (with women) and in English (with interpreters). Thematic analysis was employed to examine women's experiences of RCA, with particular attention to the influence of cultural and linguistic factors.
RESULTS:
Preliminary results highlight the impact of RCA on women's health and wellbeing, especially after birth. The results also demonstrate the ways in which equity factors such as migration, language, and culture intersect to shape reproductive autonomy.
DISCUSSION:
The findings of this study have important public health implications, including the need for culturally responsive screening, interpreter training, and support services to better identify and assist women experiencing RCA during pregnancy.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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