Laura Swan

Explores the frequency of contraceptive coercion experienced by reproductive-aged individuals assigned female at birth in the US, introducing a new measurement tool, the Coercion in Contraceptive Care Checklist. Findings show that over 1 in 3 participants had experienced contraceptive coercion in their lifetime. Provides evidence of the checklist's validity, reliability, and dimensionality.

Examines partner-perpetrated reproductive coercion among a diverse sample of emerging adults. Finds that sexual attraction was a significant risk factor for experiencing reproductive coercion, with increased rates among plurisexual students compared to monosexual students. Additionally, reproductive coercion was associated with worse behavioral health outcomes.

Investigates the frequency and impact of healthcare provider-based contraceptive coercion in the Appalachian region of the United States. Findings show that over 1/3 of participants reported ever experiencing coercion in their contraceptive care, and those who experienced contraceptive coercion were less likely than those who did not experience coercion to be using their preferred contraception. Underscores the negative impact of coercion on reproductive autonomy, emphasizing the need for unbiased contraceptive care.

Examines Wisconsin physicians’ beliefs about how contraception works and the characteristics associated with these beliefs. Finds that physicians commonly hold misconceptions about IUDs and emergency contraception as abortifacients. Physicians' age, gender, religiosity, medical specialty, and educational exposure to abortion were associated with the likelihood of incorrectly believing that contraception causes abortion.

Examines associations between partner-perpetrated reproductive coercion and other forms of interpersonal violence among college students. Finds that people who have experienced partner-perpetrated reproductive coercion are more likely to have experienced other forms of interpersonal violence.

Identifies, organizes, and analyzes 2009-2019 US federal policy changes related to contraceptive access. Finds that contraceptive-related policy changes have fluctuated with election cycles and according to partisan divides, overall increasing contraceptive access and most often impacting the affordability of contraception.

Tests the validity of the short-form Reproductive Coercion Scale in a sample of Appalachian women. Finds that, in this Appalachian sample, the scale performs better as a unidimensional measure rather than a two-dimensional one that separately measures pregnancy coercion and condom manipulation.

Identifies family planning practices and service needs in the Appalachian region of the US in the context of the opioid epidemic. Findings highlight stakeholder concerns around a lack of access to family planning services in Appalachia and concern around the lack of availability of substance use treatment services, which negatively impacts family planning access.