Tricked Into Pregnancy?

When deception, consent and reproductive coercion collide

A new episode of the BBC’s Scams & Scandals explores the story of Liv Nervo, one-half of the internationally renowned DJ duo NERVO.

At six months pregnant, Liv discovered that the man she believed she was building a life with had allegedly been living a double life. Reflecting on what happened, she says she entered both the relationship and the pregnancy under false pretences and would not have consented had she known the truth.

The programme examines a difficult and often misunderstood question: what happens when consent is given without access to the full truth?

It also shines a light on a lesser-known form of abuse known as reproductive coercion - behaviour that seeks to control a person’s reproductive choices, including whether or not they become pregnant, continue a pregnancy, or access contraception.

While reproductive coercion can take many forms, it often remains poorly understood and under-recognised. The documentary explores the legal, ethical and emotional questions that arise when deception, relationships and reproductive decision-making intersect.

Why this matters

Conversations about consent often focus on physical acts, but this programme asks wider questions about autonomy, informed decision-making and power within relationships.

For some listeners, Liv’s story may raise difficult questions about trust, manipulation and the impact that deception can have on life-changing decisions. For others, it may provide language for experiences they have struggled to understand or explain.

Stories like this are important because they help shine a light on forms of abuse that too often remain hidden from public conversation.

A note from M.Y.H

At Make Yourself Heard, we believe that understanding abuse means recognising the many different ways control can manifest within relationships. Reproductive coercion remains a largely hidden issue, and greater awareness is essential if those affected are to be recognised, supported and believed.

This is a powerful, insightful and thoughtfully told documentary. Not only does it help people better understand reproductive coercion, but it also helps break the silence around experiences that are too often misunderstood, minimised or left unspoken.

By sharing her story, Liv is helping to create space for important conversations about consent, autonomy and coercive behaviour - conversations that have the potential to help others feel seen, understood and less alone.

Conversations like this matter. They challenge assumptions, increase understanding, and remind us that abuse is not always obvious.

If this feature raises issues for you, support is available through specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services.