The article involves a survey to show the experiences of reproductive coercion among Latina women and strategies for minimizing harm. The study reveals that Latina women disproportionately experience reproductive coercion. These are set of behaviors that interfere with autonomous reproductive decision-making (Grace, 2020). Reproductive coercion is associated with unintended pregnancy and intimate partner violence; however, it helps women achieve safety, autonomy, and a reproductive life plan. Reproductive coercion mainly occurs when an individual exerts much power and control over another individual’s reproductive health and decisions associated with a person’s reproductive health.
According to the research, many Latina women receive service at the urban clinic by listening to the experiences of other females. This research aims to understand the context of reproductive coercion and the use of reproductive coercion safety strategies. The study utilized a qualitative descriptive methodology to conduct the investigation. In this case, semi-structured interviews among 13 Latina women recruited from a Federally Qualified Health Centre in Washington were exercised (Grace et al., 2020). The results of the investigations show how important it is to understand reproductive coercion. The researchers also found that less detectable methods of contraception are helpful as a competent and effective method in reducing harm to women experiencing reproductive pressure.
The survey provides vital information that can be used to improve healthcare services. However, along with all the successes and strengths, weaknesses also exist. Furthermore, many investigations have different gaps that may impact the validity of the examination findings. In scientific research, there are various practical and ethical limitations. Identifying the flaws and boundaries in a study is encouraged since it enables surveyors to avoid repeating mistakes when conducting another survey. One of the significant strengths of the investigation is that the descriptive methodology utilized provides an in-depth view of the research topic. The approaches involved in the descriptive study methodology are vital since adequate data is acquired from the participants.
Purposive sampling is an additional strength technique used in the research study. The method encompasses one of the most cost-effective and time-effective sampling techniques in surveys. Purposive sampling is also known as the judgment technique, where the researcher is entirely dependent on his judgment when choosing members of a specific population to participate in the study. Additionally, it is a critical technique that aims to fulfill the research objectives, hence enhancing the severity of the investigation and its reliability. In this type of sampling, personal judgment needs to be utilized to choose a compelling case that helps answer or achieve the research questions.
Therefore, the research has some strengths that enabled the surveyors to obtain information regarding reproductive coercion among Latina women and strategies for minimizing harm.
One of the significant weaknesses of the research is the method of interviewing used, the semi-structured interviews. The approach is broadly utilized in surveys, whereby, unlike formal interviews, investigators concentrate more on particular topics, which they address in an informal technique. The semi-structured interviews regularly deliver valued data that the scholars may not have acquired. However, it is sometimes a weakness since invalid information may be obtained. Semi-structured interviews are time-consuming since an investigator has to interact with all respondents and exercised an open-ended discussion. Correspondingly, it requires many resources as it can be challenging to find the right interviewer with adequate skills to conduct the interview properly and acquire valid information.
Another limitation of this study is the small sample size used. Data were obtained from 13 women, which could result in the collection of inadequate information. Furthermore, a small sample size increases the likelihood of an error in the results, diminishing the study’s validity. Similarly, using few participants negatively impacts the reliability of the research study’s products because it leads to enhanced inconsistency, which may lead to bias.
The limitation of utilizing a time-consuming technique to collect information can be improved by using a less inefficient process. For instance, using close-ended questionnaires is one method of gathering information, which is encouraged in investigations since it is time-saving. To manage the limitation of having errors in the study’s results, researchers should collect information from a large group of people and then make the comparison to have much more accurate results. Additionally, having a larger sample size is of great significance to have more precise and quantitative results.
I strongly agree with the researchers that midwives should prioritize honoring patients’ requests when any woman wants to change the contraception method. It is essential that researchers interacted with the participants in the study, enabling them to acquire adequate information about reproductive coercion. Midwives play a significant role in enhancing healthy practices for women and babies from before pregnancy until birth. I believe this study supports midwifery as it provides essential information to midwives about utilizing less detectable contraception methods as a reduction strategy for women experiencing reproductive coercion. Many women experience challenges when making various decisions involving their reproduction and pregnancies. Therefore, the research contributes to midwifery since it encourages midwives to assist women in achieving safety, autonomy, and reproductive life plans.
References
Grace, K. T., Alexander, K. A., Jeffers, N. K., Miller, E., Decker, M. R., Campbell, J., & Glass, N. (2020). Experiences of reproductive coercion among Latina women and strategies for minimizing harm: “The path makes us strong.” Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 65(2), 248-256.