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 Kansas, as in many states, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a distinct criminal offense. The behavior involves one partner misleading or sabotaging the agreed-upon birth control methods or STD protection practices of the other. While this can lead to nonconsensual sexual contact, it is challenging to prove in court and is not typically classified as rape or fraud under current laws. Furthermore, even if reproductive coercion is proven, it does not affect a parent's obligation to pay child support. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the circumstances surrounding conception. It's important to note that while reproductive coercion is not a specific crime, it may be related to other forms of domestic violence or sexual assault, which are criminal offenses under Kansas law. Victims of such behaviors may seek protection through existing statutes that address these broader categories of abuse.