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 Washington State, reproductive coercion is not explicitly defined in the legal statutes as a form of sexual assault or rape. However, it is recognized as a form of domestic violence under RCW 26.50.010, which defines domestic violence to include coercive behavior by one intimate partner against another. Despite this recognition, the legal system faces challenges in addressing reproductive coercion, particularly when it comes to proving instances of deceit or sabotage in birth control practices. Furthermore, even if reproductive coercion could be proven, it would not absolve a parent of their child support obligations under Washington law. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child, regardless of the circumstances of conception, as per RCW 26.09.100. Therefore, while reproductive coercion may be acknowledged as a form of abuse, it does not currently have a direct impact on legal responsibilities such as child support.