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Open Exempt reproductive coercion victims from child maintenance obligations

Created by Shaunna Leigh samuel
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Change the law so parents who were victims of legally proven reproductive coercion, including being lied to about their partner’s fertility or contraception, are exempted from compulsory child maintenance obligations.

The UK Government’s statutory guidance framework on controlling or coercive behaviour recognises deception around contraception as reproductive coercion, yet we feel there are no protections within child maintenance law for parents who can prove they were deliberately deceived into parenthood.

We believe reproductive autonomy and informed consent should apply equally to men and women, while ensuring the resulting child’s welfare is protected. Individuals should only be exempted if it is legally proven that they were a victim of reproductive coercion, rather than situations where contraception simply fails.

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    This petition will stay open until 28 March 2027.