This section offers evidence-based information about unwanted, coerced or violently forced abortion in America. You'll also find downloadable resources to learn and share.

(See What is coercion? A Legal Definition)

Contrary to popular belief, a growing body of evidence indicates that most abortions in America involve coercion.^1,2 Those in positions of power, authority or influence may apply pressure, blackmail, deceptive or negligent information, threats or even violence -- or all of the above -- to coerce or even force an unwanted abortion.

Coercion can be direct, indirect or both, often working  synergistically during narrow windows of vulnerability or duress.

It may involve unethical, negligent or profit-driven counseling. It may include pressure from one's family, support network or authorities; substandard medical and professional practices; or abuses of power in various sectors of society.

Coercion may happen in schools, medical offices, or even in the helping professions. In other cases, it may involve personal, emotional, financial or other forms of blackmail, threats, abuse or violence.

Coercion can and does escalate. Some women have been abused, tortured or killed. Others have literally experienced shotgun abortions after they resisted an unwanted abortion. Homicide  the leading killer of pregnant women.5. (Learn more about Forced Abortion in America.)

Research shows that most women don't want abortion. Coercion often exploits or endangers women who want to have their babies, or works against individuals and families seeking answers, guidance and personal or practical help, yet not told of alternatives ... or falsely told that no practical or personal support or resources are available.
 

Coercion may involve an abusive partner, family or authority figure; negligent or coercive professionals in the helping professions or elsewhere; a passive, coercive or even violent support network; deceptive, agenda- or profit-driven experts presenting false information as fact, etc.

These things often happen when women, couples or families are seeking answers -- such as a pregnancy test -- guidance or a helping hand, often from trusted authorities or other professionals.

Employers and others have threatened or inflicted physical harm, loss of job or financial support, abandonment, or even death when women resisted an unwanted abortion. (See Forced Abortion in America.)

One mother was turned away from a homeless shelter unless she would have an abortion. In other cases, it is an abuser who seeks abortion to cover up his crimes. In still other cases, it is parents who force their daughters to abort. One mother literally pushed her daughter at gunpoint into a clinic, telling staffers to "ignore her if she gets a little teary." In another case, parents literally locked their daughter in her room for two weeks until it was time for her appointment.

BEFORE ABORTION --the Synergy of Direct or Indirect Coercion or Force

The Voices of Women Who've Been There

"There were about 100 women in the waiting room and no one was talking."

"We were herded like cattle."
 

"I had so many questions. The doctor told me to be quiet."
 

"Every Tuesday a scheduled bus took students to the clinic. It was all so organized."
 

"The school counselor said, 'One day you'll back on this and laugh."

Academic research backs up what women have been saying for years, even though their voices are often silenced, denied, dismissed or even mocked. Research indicates the "big picture" multi-faceted nature of coercion, which can end in abuse, unwanted abortions, violence or homicide if women resist. It's not just one but many forces working in concert to prevent, not support, women and their children:

The Synergy of Coercion:

• 52% felt rushed, 54% uncertain,

• 64% feel pressured to abort, yet

• 67% had NO counseling beforehand,

• 79% were not told of available alternatives¹

• 84% were not properly informed.¹

• Coercion comes from all sides -- especially during times of vulnerability and uncertainty -- and can escalate to violence or even homicide, the leading killer of pregnant women. (see Forced Abortion in America report for details and citations)

Portraits of Coercion flyer

Forced Abortion in America fact sheet

Forced Abortion in America flyer 
Forced Abortion in America 26-page special report -- downloadable pdf format

Forced Abortion in America report citations

What Every American Needs to Know -- facts, download in postcard or flyer format

Top 10 Reasons it's The UnChoice -- postcard and flyers

The UnChoice Definition -- postcard or flyer

Teens Risks fact sheet -- flyer (see also Teens Page)

Physical Risks fact sheet -- helpful for teens or women being coerced to deter family or authorities pressuring them to have unwanted abortions   
Psychological Risks fact sheet -- helpful for teens or women being coerced to deter family or authorities pressuring them to have unwanted abortions   

What Insiders and Experts Say About Coercion

Special Report -- Coercion Inside the Abortion Industry

Wantedness and Coercion. Key Factors in Understanding Women's Mental Health After Abortion. by Martha Shuping, M.D.

Abuse Can Take the Form of Forced Abortion by Dr. David Reardon (published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Center Against Forced Abortions (off-site page)

Links about unwanted abortions (off-site page)

 

Portraits of Coercion

Voices of coercion, not support ...

“I screamed that I didn’t want the abortion.”

“They said I made the right decision, but I was never given a choice.”

“The nurse said this was not the time for questions.”

“My husband exploded in anger ... ‘Have an abortion or I’ll leave you.’ ”

“Our pastor assured us that abortion was ok.”

“The doctor leaned across his mahogany desk and snapped, ‘It’s not a baby!’ ”

“My parents locked me in the house and made the appointment.”

“No one told me there were places I could go for help.”

“The counselor drew a micro-dot ... I feel so betrayed.”

“It doesn’t look like you have much choice.”

“He destroyed our apartment ... he was killing me with his words.”

“My boss threatened to push me down the stairs if I didn’t abort.”

“They would just look down their noses at me for being pregnant.”

“The abortionist strapped me down and said, ‘Shut up and quit that yelling.’ ”

“All the people that mattered told me to abort. No one would help me.”

“Everything in me was yelling, ‘No! No! No!’”        

Download Portraits of Coercion flyer -- prints on 11 x 14-in. legal size paper