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 Illinois, reproductive coercion is not explicitly defined in the criminal statutes as a form of sexual assault or rape. However, certain behaviors that fall under reproductive coercion, such as intentionally interfering with contraception, could potentially be addressed under other areas of law, such as civil torts for personal injury or fraud. Despite the challenges in proving reproductive coercion, it is recognized as a form of abuse and can be relevant in the context of domestic violence cases. Illinois law does provide protections against domestic violence, which can include various forms of coercion and control over reproductive health. However, as the summary indicates, allegations or proof of reproductive coercion do not impact 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 circumstances of conception.