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 Minnesota, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense under state statutes. While it involves unethical behavior related to birth control and sexually-transmitted-disease protection, the legal system faces challenges in addressing such matters due to the difficulty in proving intent and deception in personal relationships. As a result, even if reproductive coercion occurs, it typically does not lead to rape or fraud charges. Furthermore, if reproductive coercion results in the birth of a child, the legal obligation for child support remains unaffected. The parent responsible for child support cannot use allegations or proof of reproductive coercion to alter or negate their financial responsibilities towards the child.