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 Mississippi, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a distinct criminal offense under state law. However, certain aspects of reproductive coercion could potentially be addressed under existing statutes related to sexual assault or domestic violence if the behavior involves force or threats. For example, if reproductive coercion includes physical harm or threats of violence, it could fall under Mississippi's domestic violence laws. Despite this, the deceptive aspects of reproductive coercion, such as lying about birth control use, are not typically covered by criminal statutes due to the challenges in proving intent and deception in intimate relationships. Furthermore, Mississippi law maintains that child support obligations are determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial situation of the parents, and these obligations are not affected by allegations of reproductive coercion. The parentage of a child is a separate legal issue from the circumstances of conception, and both parents are responsible for supporting their child financially.