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 Arkansas, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a separate legal offense under state statutes. However, certain aspects of reproductive coercion could potentially be addressed under existing laws related to sexual assault or fraud, although proving such cases can be challenging. For instance, nonconsensual sexual contact may fall under sexual assault laws, but the specific act of lying about birth control use is not typically classified as sexual assault. Additionally, the law does not recognize fraud charges based on misrepresentation about birth control or sexually transmitted disease protection in the context of consensual sexual activity. Furthermore, regardless of any allegations or proof of reproductive coercion, Arkansas law maintains that both parents have an obligation to support their child financially. This means that child support responsibilities are not affected by claims of reproductive coercion.