The disability rights movement and reproductive rights movement both revolve around the ability to control one’s own body and life. Sam Crane, legal director at the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, talks to us about the disability rights movement’s long history of facing reproductive rights and reproductive autonomy restrictions, and why centering the experiences and voices of people with disabilities will increase access to basic reproductive healthcare.  

People with disabilities have encountered an extensive history of attacks on their reproductive health, rights and justice through the eugenics movement, forced sterilization, guardianship, and institutionalization. And, unfortunately, people with disabilities continue to experience unique and disproportionate barriers to accessing reproductive health care each day. For example, legal rights and protections do not necessarily offer meaningful support, which will address people of color, LGBTQ+ people, people with low-incomes, and people with disabilities more acutely (Roe v. Wade provides a theoretical right to abortion but does not address any logistical roadblocks to accessing care). 

Another barrier includes discrimination or stereotypes in healthcare settings (providers often do not ask people with disabilities about contraceptive options or abortion needs, and many people with disabilities may not trust healthcare providers due to the previously mentioned long history of attacks on reproductive health). Additionally, religious refusals prevent those with disabilities from attending healthcare appointments or taking contraception. There are also a variety of barriers those with disabilities face related to accessing reproductive healthcare. Many with disabilities rely on insurance coverage through Medicaid—but the Hyde amendment prevents federal dollars going toward coverage of abortion care. Lack of access to/ability to use transportation also prevents many from getting to the a healthcare provider. 

The ability for people with disabilities to not only be able to access reproductive healthcare, but be fully realized in their reproductive rights and bodily autonomy ties directly to the current state of reproductive health in the U.S. Any successful attack on Roe v. Wade will no doubt distinctively impact those who are the most marginalized. At all levels of government, policy must be passed that centers those with disabilities experiences accessing reproductive healthcare. At the federal level, applicable policy includes the EACH Act, the Women’s Health Protection Act, and the Home and Community-Based Services Access Act.

Links

Report: Access, Autonomy, and Dignity: A Series on Reproductive Rights and Disability Justice

Autistic Self-Advoca

For more information check outThe Nocturnists: https://thenocturnists.org/

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