The Reproductive Autonomy Scale: German validation and application in an Austrian student population

Introduction Reproductive autonomy is defined as the right to make independent decisions regarding sexuality, contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth without coercion. The Reproductive Autonomy Scale (RAS) is the first instrument to assess decision-making, freedom from coercion, and communication in reproductive contexts and has been validated in several languages. The objective of this study was to validate the RAS in a German context and explore its application in an Austrian student population, including its use with men. Materials and methods A comprehensive set of descriptive statistics was derived for the cohort ( n = 625). The psychometric properties of the RAS were evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s α ) and corrected item-total correlations. Measurement invariance across gender was assessed explored using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Gender-specific item response patterns were analyzed, and associations with sociodemographic variables were examined using univariate ANOVAs and t-tests with Bonferroni correction. Results Psychometric analysis demonstrated satisfactory item-total correlations and factor loadings, supporting the three-factor structure of the RAS. Internal consistency of the subscales for decision-making and freedom from coercion was satisfactory, while the communication subscale showed marginally lower reliability ( α = 0.67). CFA confirmed the proposed model. Configural invariance was not supported, and exploratory comparisons of factor loadings indicated gender differences. Female participants reported higher rates of sole decision-making regarding reproductive autonomy. For ‘freedom from coercion’ and ‘communication’, no substantial gender differences were found. Conclusion The RAS is a reliable tool for analysing reproductive autonomy in German-speaking populations. However, its use in men and diverse individuals is constrained, necessitating adaptations. Austrian students showed high reproductive autonomy, influenced by age and sexual orientation in one subscale. Yet, women continue to bear greater responsibility for contraception, highlighting the need for better sexual education and shared responsibility between partners.