What can Australian service providers do about reproductive coercion driven by son preference?

This qualitative study will involve in-depth interviews and/or focus groups with providers such as general practitioners, nurses, midwives, social workers, interpreters, and domestic violence workers. It will examine how providers perceive the influence of son preference and extended-family dynamics on women’s reproductive autonomy, how they navigate cultural norms when addressing such cases, and what practical or ethical challenges arise in their roles. The project will identify key themes around recognition, response, and service preparedness, offering insights that can inform future workforce education and research. This project sits within SPHERE, an NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. SPHERE is led by Professor Danielle Mazza and supported by multidisciplinary students and researchers in the Department of General Practice. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of this team with support from supervisors.