Countering reproductive coercion: Is there a role for community pharmacy?

Reproductive coercion (RC), including pregnancy coercion and contraceptive sabotage, is a form of abuse that compromises an individual’s reproductive autonomy. Research suggests that victim-survivors of RC often resort to safety strategies such as accessing emergency contraception, long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), or medical abortion. While emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are available over the counter in Australia, LARCs and medical abortions require a prescription and are dispensed through community pharmacies. As Australia considers expanding the scope of practice for community pharmacists in providing contraception over the counter, understanding their potential role in supporting those experiencing RC becomes critical. However, there is currently no research exploring whether pharmacists recognise this potential role and what it might entail in practice. This study aims to fill that gap by conducting qualitative research with community pharmacists to explore their perspectives on assisting victim-survivors of RC. This project sits within SPHERE, an NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. SPHERE is led by Professor Danielle Mazza and supported by multidisciplinary students and researchers in the Department of General Practice. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of this team with support from supervisors.