Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) is a prevalent but under-recognised form of family, domestic and sexual violence that undermines reproductive autonomy and widens health inequities, particularly for people facing structural disadvantage and those in rural and regional areas with limited access to services. Although national strategies acknowledge RCA, Australia has no national definition, standardised screening or prevalence data, and responses across health, justice and community systems remain fragmented and inconsistent. 

Developed in collaboration with healthcare providers, researchers and community representatives, this policy brief identifies four main system gaps: inconsistent service responses, workforce training deficits, unregulated conscientious objection, and the absence of national data and monitoring on RCA. These gaps leave people navigating disconnected systems while experiencing coercion that restricts their ability to seek timely, safe reproductive healthcare and protection. 

The brief proposes five priority reforms to strengthen national responses to reproductive coercion and support safer reproductive decision-making. 

1. Establish national leadership and standards
2. Guarantee safe and timely access to abortion and reproductive healthcare
3. Embed reproductive coercion in national legal and policy frameworks
4. Build workforce capability across health, legal and frontline sectors
5. Establish national data and evidence systems.