When Lynn Stroud was 20 years old, her boyfriend deliberately violated their agreed-upon method of contraception following a birth control failure. His casual dismissal – claiming he "forgot" and was "drunk" – masked a calculated attempt to trap her through pregnancy. What followed was a harrowing journey through reproductive coercion, a form of intimate partner violence that remains largely invisible despite affecting a quarter of domestic violence survivors.

Lynn's powerful testimony takes us through the red flags she missed, the isolation she felt when facing an unwanted pregnancy while her partner pressured her toward marriage, and the trauma of seeking care without support. Her boyfriend's refusal to help – financially, emotionally, or logistically – underscores the complex dynamics of reproductive coercion. This wasn't merely about pregnancy; it was about control, power, and the systematic dismantling of her autonomy. The relationship later escalated into stalking, intimidation, and further abuse that continued for years.

Today, Lynn channels her painful experiences into education and advocacy. She helps survivors recognize the warning signs of reproductive coercion: pressure and guilt around pregnancy decisions, unreasonable excuses to avoid contraception, and threats related to reproductive choices. While legal protections remain woefully inadequate – only four U.S. states have specific laws addressing even one form of reproductive coercion (stealthing) – Lynn's advocacy points toward a future where survivors have both voice and recourse. Her message resonates powerfully in our current climate, where reproductive rights face significant challenges and the conversation around consent continues to evolve. By sharing her story, Lynn offers both validation for survivors and a blueprint for change in how we understand, discuss, and address this hidden form of abuse.