A surreal illustration depicting the power imbalance in reproductive decisions between men and women.

It's Her Body? Unpacking Men's Perceptions of Reproductive Agency

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how low-income men in Pittsburgh feel disempowered in reproductive decisions, highlighting a complex interplay of gender norms and societal expectations."

Unintended pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in the United States, with nearly half of all pregnancies being reported as mistimed or unwanted. This issue disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations, highlighting deep-seated disparities in access to resources and reproductive autonomy. While public health efforts have traditionally focused on women, a growing body of research emphasizes the crucial role of male partners in contraceptive use and family planning decisions.

Men can significantly influence a woman's decision to use contraception, either supporting or undermining her autonomy. Some studies have shown that involved male partners lead to better adherence to contraceptive regimens. However, other research indicates that increased male involvement can sometimes lead to interference and even reproductive coercion. Understanding men's attitudes toward family planning and contraception is essential for creating more effective and equitable reproductive health programs.

To address this gap, the Men's Fertility Attitudes and Behaviors (MFAB) study was conducted in Pittsburgh, focusing on low-income Black and White men. This study aimed to explore their perspectives on fatherhood, contraception, and sexual relationships to better understand reproductive decision-making in underserved communities. One of the key findings was a prevalent sense of limited reproductive agency among these men, regardless of their race. This article delves into the factors contributing to this perception and its implications for reproductive health.

Why Do Men Feel They Lack Reproductive Control?

A surreal illustration depicting the power imbalance in reproductive decisions between men and women.

The MFAB study identified several interconnected factors that contribute to low-income men's feelings of limited reproductive agency. These factors reveal a complex interplay of societal expectations, communication dynamics, and practical limitations that shape men's perceptions of their role in reproductive decisions.

Many men expressed the belief that contraception and reproduction are primarily women's responsibility. This belief stems from the understanding that most non-barrier methods of contraception affect women's bodies hormonally, and that pregnancy and abortion occur in women's bodies. This perspective often leads men to feel that their opinions are secondary, and that they ultimately lack the power to control these outcomes.

Reinforcing Gender Norms: Men often reinforce traditional gender norms by viewing pregnancy prevention as the "work" of women.
Bodily Autonomy: Many believe women should have the final say due to bodily autonomy.
Contraceptive Burdens: Some believe women should control contraception due to side effects.

These sentiments were captured in numerous interviews. As one participant, Marcus, 44, stated, 'They [men] will be part of the discussion, but when it comes down to it, a woman's going to want to do what she want[s] with her body. And that's usually who has to deal the most with the contraception, is the woman.' This sentiment highlights a common theme: while men recognize their potential influence, they often defer to women's perceived authority over reproductive decisions.

Moving Towards Shared Responsibility

The findings of this study underscore the need to challenge traditional gender norms and promote shared responsibility in family planning. While respecting women's reproductive autonomy remains paramount, it is essential to create space for men to actively participate in contraceptive decisions without coercion. This involves increasing the availability of male contraceptive options and encouraging open communication between partners about their reproductive goals and preferences. By addressing these issues, we can move towards a more equitable and supportive approach to reproductive health for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.contraception.2018.10.005, Alternate LINK

Title: “It'S Her Body”: Low-Income Men'S Perceptions Of Limited Reproductive Agency

Subject: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal: Contraception

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Megan Hamm, Mark Evans, Elizabeth Miller, Mario Browne, David Bell, Sonya Borrero

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why do men in the study feel they lack reproductive control?

The MFAB study found that low-income men in Pittsburgh often feel a lack of reproductive agency due to a combination of factors. One significant factor is the perception that contraception and reproduction are primarily a woman's responsibility. This belief stems from the understanding that most non-barrier methods of contraception affect women's bodies hormonally, and that pregnancy and abortion occur in women's bodies. This perspective often leads men to feel that their opinions are secondary, and that they ultimately lack the power to control these outcomes.

How do gender norms influence men's perceptions of their reproductive roles?

Traditional gender norms play a significant role in how men perceive their reproductive roles. The study revealed that men often reinforce these norms, viewing pregnancy prevention as the 'work' of women. This viewpoint can stem from the belief that women should have the final say due to bodily autonomy or that women should control contraception due to side effects. These gendered expectations contribute to men feeling disempowered and less involved in family planning decisions, reinforcing existing disparities in reproductive health.

What are the implications of men feeling disempowered in reproductive decisions?

The implications of men feeling disempowered in reproductive decisions are far-reaching. It contributes to unintended pregnancies, which disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations. Furthermore, it can limit effective contraceptive use and lead to unequal power dynamics in relationships. Understanding men's attitudes towards family planning is therefore essential for creating more effective and equitable reproductive health programs. Focusing on shared responsibility in family planning and increasing male contraceptive options are some of the ways to address this issue.

What was the purpose and the focus of the MFAB study?

The study, Men's Fertility Attitudes and Behaviors (MFAB), was conducted in Pittsburgh. It specifically focused on low-income Black and White men. The study aimed to explore their perspectives on fatherhood, contraception, and sexual relationships to better understand reproductive decision-making in underserved communities. The MFAB study's findings offer valuable insights into men's perceptions, experiences, and the complex social and cultural forces that shape their attitudes and behaviors related to family planning and reproductive health.

How can we move toward a more equitable approach to reproductive health?

Moving towards shared responsibility involves several key steps. Firstly, it requires challenging traditional gender norms that place the burden of contraception on women. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for open communication between partners about reproductive goals and preferences. Thirdly, it promotes the availability of male contraceptive options, which can allow men to actively participate in contraceptive decisions. By implementing these measures, a more equitable and supportive approach to reproductive health can be achieved.