It's Her Body? Unpacking Men's Perceptions of Reproductive Agency
"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.
Tracing Male Reproductive Health
The history of male reproductive health includes a longstanding pattern of inattention and a lack of dedicated clinical focus. Sociologist Rene Almeling examines how this history has affected medical education and research, reproductive health care, public health policymaking, and reproductive politics. Historical resources such as the Yale guide and the CDC’s reproductive health milestones timeline provide pathways for examining primary sources and major developments. The question of why women’s reproductive health has established specialties while men’s health lacks an equivalent is also central to this history.
Why Do Men Feel They Lack Reproductive Control?
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.
- 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.
Current Research on Reproductive Agency
Recent research examines reproductive agency through contraception, abortion decision-making, masculinities, and male infertility. A survey of people in the United States with a prior vasectomy addresses interest in new methods of male contraception and notes that men can experience reproductive coercion, limited reproductive agency, and less contraceptive responsibility. Another study analyzed 72 in-depth interviews with men conducted in 2021 and identified three main narratives about men’s views of women’s and men’s agency in abortion decision-making. Reviews also argue that engaging men is essential to achieving universal sexual and reproductive health and rights, while current research collections highlight new methods and discoveries in male infertility and reproductive health.
The Limits of “It’s Her Body”
The phrase “It’s her body” captures an important principle of bodily autonomy, but research shows that it does not describe the full range of men’s perceptions about reproductive control. A study of low-income men identifies several factors contributing to their sense of low reproductive agency and emphasizes the complexity of acknowledging those perceptions within broader structures of gender and power. The reported factors include societal norms, communication barriers, and limited male contraceptive options. These findings complicate accounts that treat reproductive decision-making as involving only one person’s experience.
Comparing Engagement Strategies
Comparative work on men’s reproductive health includes both service-based alternatives and broader interventions designed to engage men and boys. The listed health-service sources compare options related to men’s health, birth control, emergency contraception, UTI treatment, and other reproductive needs. A 2025 systematic review examines interventions that engage men and boys as clients, partners, and agents of change for improved sexual and reproductive health and rights. These materials suggest that comparison involves not only products and services, but also the different roles men may occupy in reproductive-health efforts.
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.
Barriers to Participation
Men’s participation in reproductive health care remains low despite the importance and potential benefits of active engagement. A 2023 review identifies healthcare-system programs and policies, economic and sociocultural issues, and men’s attitudes, knowledge, and preferences as influences on participation. The review describes these barriers as complex and varying across different parts of the world. It argues that reproductive-health initiatives should address obstacles to men’s supportive activities and improve the quality and reach of care.
Engagement, Equality, and Health
Programs addressing men and masculinities connect sexual and reproductive health with gender equality and human rights. A BMJ Global Health intervention framework describes gender equality as part of a human-rights-based approach to improving health, including sexual and reproductive health. Voluntary Service Overseas reports that male-engagement programs aim to change gender power dynamics that influence women’s lives, while women remain the primary focus of many maternal, newborn, and sexual and reproductive health programs because of physiology and social roles. The International Planned Parenthood Federation’s “Men are changing” report adds case-study evidence on work with men and boys to promote gender equality and positive masculinities.