Recognizing reproductive violence within the Women, Peace and Security agenda

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda has strengthened international efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). This research paper examines why it must also recognize reproductive violence as a distinct form of gender-based violence and address it across all four WPS pillars: prevention, protection, participation, and relief and recovery.

Reproductive violence involves acts or omissions that interfere with reproductive autonomy and rights, or target people because of their actual or perceived reproductive capacity. It can include:

• forced pregnancy
• abortion
• sterilization or contraception
• interference with breastfeeding
• the destruction of or denial of access to sexual and reproductive health services

These harms may overlap with conflict-related sexual violence, but they do not always involve sexual conduct. When overlooked or treated as incidental, they can leave survivors without adequate recognition, services, justice, or reparations.

Drawing on developments in international law and examples from conflict and post-conflict settings, the brief shows how a reproductive violence lens can strengthen prevention and early warning, protection and humanitarian response, women’s participation, and survivor-centred recovery. It calls on Member States, the United Nations, and other actors to name and define reproductive violence in WPS policy and practice, improve documentation and accountability, protect access to reproductive healthcare, address barriers to participation, and provide long-term healthcare and reparations.