Abstract
This study examines clinician attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions regarding perinatal care of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from the perspectives of both clinicians and women with IDD. We conducted semistructured individual interviews with women (n = 16) and individual interviews and one focus group with clinicians (n = 17). Data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Analysis revealed both supportive and restrictive categories. Supportive: (a) accommodating needs, (b) respecting autonomy, and (c) supporting motherhood. Restrictive: (a) unwillingness to accommodate, (b) assumptions about decision-making capacity, (c) questioning parenting abilities, and (d) biased contraception and sterilization practices. Clinician training to address attitudes, beliefs, and assumptions is needed to improve perinatal care for women with IDD.