Reproductive rights and disability

Reproductive rights refer to the human rights that guarantee all people the right to make decisions about reproduction freely, autonomously and without discrimination. People with disabilities have the right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies, their sexuality and their family planning. Historically and in the present day, however, these rights have frequently been violated, for example through forced sterilisation, restricted access to reproductive healthcare services, a lack of accessible healthcare provision, or through societal assumptions that people with disabilities are not suited to parenthood. Women with disabilities are particularly affected by this. Support and inclusive services, such as parenting support, can help to ensure these rights are effectively realised. The aim is a healthcare system that supports all people on an equal footing in matters of sexuality, contraception, pregnancy and parenthood.