Abstract:
Over 120 million youth with disabilities around the world face challenges related to
sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, such as unwanted pregnancy,
sexually transmitted infections, and forced abortions and sterilisations. The main
causes are cultural, legal, political, and social practices that restrict their rights. Our
study explored sexual expectations and experiences of youth with disabilities. We
conducted a qualitative study of 20 youth with disabilities using focus group
discussions and semi-structured interviews, and then applied a thematic analysis of
the data. The findings reveal that youth with disabilities are discriminated against
with regard to accessing SRH information. This early exclusion results in
discriminatory treatment at other stages of their lives, such as the onset of sexual
relationships and marriage. They may also indulge in risky sexual behaviours
which expose them to sexually transmitted diseases. Conversely, engaging in
relationships, marriage and parenthood brings positive results, especially to women
with disabilities. Marrying a non-disabled partner is viewed by disabled men as
countering social discrimination. Some of the experiences suggest that parenthood
has potential for bringing new status and social capital to persons with disabilities.
Our primary recommendations based on this research are that youth-focused SRH
schemes need to be redesigned to serve the public health needs of youth with
disabilities, a vulnerable population that remains excluded from programming; and
girls and women with disabilities should be especially targeted within these
redesigned SRH programmes.
