Understanding Coercion during Pregnancy
When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may experience various emotions. This stress can sometimes mask other dangers you may be facing, and one such danger can be coercion. But what is coercion during pregnancy?
Coercion during pregnancy refers to situations where a person faces undue pressure or manipulation from her partner, family members, or others to push her to a certain decision. Someone can forcefully try to influence your pregnancy decision-making in various ways. This can manifest in different ways such as emotional manipulation or threats of violence. It can also include financial control. Additionally, it may involve verbal and psychological abuse.
Understanding the dynamics of coercion is extremely important in identifying potentially harmful situations. If you are experiencing any of these identifiers, seek help and advice. Find a safe place to stay, even temporarily, while you seek help.
Coercion during pregnancy affects many individuals and poses serious challenges. UCSF Health says that coercive behavior, including physical, sexual and psychological attacks, as well as economic coercion [are ways] adults use against their partners. It is a distressing reality that impacts reproductive health and well-being. Recognizing signs of coercion is crucial for ensuring safety and empowerment. Understanding available resources for support is also important. In this article, we explore the complexities of this phenomenon. We will discuss what it involves and how individuals can protect themselves.
Recognizing the Signs and Seeking Support
Recognizing the signs of coercion is the first step in addressing this challenging issue. Individuals experiencing coercion may feel trapped, isolated, or fearful about their pregnancy decisions. Some indicators to ask yourself that will help you understand if you are being coerced are:
● Is someone restricting me from accessing prenatal care?
● Is someone withholding financial resources from me in exchange for doing what they want?
● Is my partner denying emotional support based on my compliance with their wishes?
Pregnancy coercion is when someone uses power to manipulate or control a pregnant person. It does not necessarily require physical violence. It can be identified by these other indicators. If you suspect manipulation or coercion with an unplanned pregnancy, find safety. You can search shelters through womenslaw.org; you can contact Alpha Life; or you can call your local health provider to request other women's resources for help. During pregnancy, if you or someone you know feels pressured, seek help. Reach out to trusted support networks like healthcare providers or counselors. You can also contact advocacy organizations for guidance and assistance.
Taking Action
If you are being treated in this way, the first step is to take action to ensure personal safety and well-being. Secondly, build a support system of trusted individuals. Reach out to people in your community, church, fellow moms, and let them know your concerns. Third, look for resources that offer protection and advocacy such as Standing With You that can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their pregnancy. Recognizing one's rights and accessing the available resources for protection can help you regain control and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy journey.
Support for Handling Coercion during Pregnancy
Understanding coercion during pregnancy is crucial for promoting a safe environment. It empowers you to make healthy choices. You can safeguard your well-being by recognizing signs, seeking support, and taking action. This helps you to make informed decisions about your pregnancy. At Alpha Life Pregnancy Center, we strive to create a safe and supportive space. Our goal is to help individuals facing this trauma. Please contact us at 910-565-2031 for resources and assistance. You can also visit alphalifepc.org for support during your pregnancy. Speak to the Domestic Violence Support Network.
