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 Alabama, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense under state statutes. While it involves unethical and manipulative behavior, such as lying about birth control use or sabotaging contraception, it does not fit neatly into categories like rape or fraud due to the challenges in proving intent and deception in personal relationships. Consequently, even if reproductive coercion occurs, it does not absolve a parent of their child support obligations. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the circumstances of conception. Victims of reproductive coercion may seek remedies through civil litigation or protective orders if there is accompanying abuse or harassment, but as of the current legal framework, the behavior itself is not a standalone offense in Alabama.