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 Idaho, 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 domestic violence if the behavior includes force or threats. For example, if reproductive coercion involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm, it could fall under the state's domestic violence statutes. Despite this, the deceptive aspects of reproductive coercion, such as lying about birth control use, are not typically covered by criminal laws related to sexual consent. Consequently, proving such behavior in court is challenging, and it does not generally lead to rape or fraud charges. Furthermore, in the context of family law, allegations or evidence of reproductive coercion do not affect a parent's obligation to pay child support. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial responsibility of the parents, regardless of the circumstances surrounding conception.