Abstract
Despite passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act more than 30 years ago, there has been little focus on the sexual and reproductive health needs of people with disabilities. Women with disabilities continue to experience significant health and social inequities including disparities in access and outcomes related to sexual and reproductive health, ranging from preventative health, preconception health, family planning, and pregnancy to postpartum health. An emerging body of evidence suggests that an ever-increasing number of women with disabilities are becoming mothers. Yet, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) does not specifically offer any programs designed to support women with disabilities, including prospective mothers and mothers with disabilities. Rather, it largely addresses the needs of individuals with disabilities and families through its programs for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), which do not typically include services related to sexual and reproductive health. In this respect, the MCHB leaves a critical gap in the supports available to prospective mothers and mothers with disabilities and their families. Given the growth of this population, it is imperative to understand how public health can address their sexual and reproductive needs. To identify the points at which public health can have an impact that promotes optimal outcomes for women with disabilities and their infants, it is necessary to apply an integrated life course approach in order to devise a concerted and coordinated approach to public policy, including maternal and child health policy, and implement programs that will effectively serve this population.
