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 Colorado, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a distinct criminal offense under state statutes. However, certain aspects of reproductive coercion may fall under broader categories of criminal behavior, such as sexual assault or domestic violence, depending on the circumstances. For instance, if reproductive coercion involves force or threats, it could potentially be prosecuted under Colorado's sexual assault laws. Despite this, proving reproductive coercion in a court of law can be challenging due to the need to establish intent and the private nature of the behavior. Additionally, Colorado law does not allow allegations or proof of reproductive coercion to alter a parent's child support obligations. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial circumstances of the parents, not on the parents' behavior during conception.