Doctors Denounce ‘Birth Control Sabotage’

A man pulls off a condom during sex, or threatens a woman so she’ll get an abortion. These are examples of “reproductive coercion,” a major group of doctors for women says. The new statement comes from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Preventing a woman from making choices about birth control and pregnancy is a form of abuse, ACOG says. It says doctors should look out for such abuse and help patients avoid it. The statement cites a study of teens in abusive relationships. About 25% reported “birth control sabotage.” So did 15% of physically abused women. Examples include destroying birth control pills or forcing a woman to have unprotected sex. Some men have even pulled out intrauterine devices (IUDs) and vaginal rings, ACOG says. The group urges doctors to screen patients and refer those who are abused to counseling.