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 Maine, reproductive coercion is not explicitly defined in the state statutes, and there is no specific law that addresses the deception or sabotage of birth control by one partner against another. While reproductive coercion can be a form of domestic violence or sexual abuse, it is not directly recognized as a separate legal offense. Maine's laws on domestic violence may offer some protection if reproductive coercion is part of a broader pattern of abuse. However, proving reproductive coercion in a legal context can be challenging due to the private nature of the behavior and the difficulty in providing evidence. Additionally, if reproductive coercion results in a pregnancy, the law does not allow for the negation of parental responsibilities, such as child support obligations, based on claims of reproductive coercion. Both parents are legally responsible for the financial support of their child, regardless of the circumstances of conception.