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 Nevada, reproductive coercion is not explicitly recognized as a criminal offense under state law. However, certain aspects of reproductive coercion may intersect with other legal areas. For example, while deception regarding birth control may not constitute rape or fraud in the legal sense, it could potentially be considered under the umbrella of domestic violence if it is part of a pattern of coercive control in a relationship. Despite the lack of specific statutes addressing reproductive coercion, it is important to note that the behavior could still have legal implications, particularly in the context of domestic violence. Additionally, as stated, allegations or proof of reproductive coercion do not impact a parent's child support obligations in Nevada. Child support is determined based on the best interests of the child and the financial circumstances of the parents, not on the circumstances of conception.