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 Vermont, 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 intimate partner violence and may have serious implications, it is not directly addressed in Vermont's criminal laws. As such, it is challenging to prosecute such behavior under existing statutes related to sexual assault or fraud, primarily due to the difficulties in proving intent and the private nature of the conduct. Furthermore, if reproductive coercion results in the birth of a child, the legal obligation for child support is determined by the parentage of the child, not the circumstances of conception. Both parents are generally required to support their child financially, regardless of any allegations or proof of reproductive coercion.