Reproductive coercion is the deception, lying, or deceit by one sexual partner of the other regarding the partners’ agreed birth control and sexually-transmitted-disease-protection practices. Reproductive coercion can take many forms, and may be perpetrated by women or men. For example, one partner may falsely represent to the other partner the use or continued use of birth control, or otherwise sabotage the partners’ agreed birth control practices. Although this behavior may result in nonconsensual sexual contact, the law generally does not recognize rape or fraud charges based on such behavior—due in part to the difficulty in proving such matters. And the allegation or proof of such behavior will not change a parent’s child support obligations.

In Alaska, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a distinct criminal offense under state statutes. However, certain forms of reproductive coercion could potentially be addressed under existing laws related to sexual assault or domestic violence, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if reproductive coercion involves physical harm or threats, it might fall under domestic violence statutes. Despite this, the legal system faces challenges in addressing reproductive coercion, particularly when it involves deception about birth control, due to the difficulty in proving such allegations. Furthermore, Alaska law maintains that the existence of reproductive coercion does not absolve a parent from their child support obligations. The obligation to provide child support is based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the circumstances surrounding conception.