The Role of Reproductive Injustice in the Access of Motherhood for Women With Intellectual Disabilities: A Narrative Literature Review

Background

Even though becoming a parent and forming meaningful relationships are considered fundamental rights, research shows that there are significant barriers for people with intellectual disabilities within these social roles, as they are still seen as unfit for parenthood. Given limited research knowledge about the reproductive trajectories of women with intellectual disabilities, this paper presents the results of a narrative literature review on reproductive injustices against women with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

We conducted in-depth research within the scientific literature to better understand the reproductive injustice experienced by women with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Thirty-two publications were included in this narrative literature review. The main results are related to the nature and actors involved in the reproductive injustice and six types of discourses underpinning the non-consensual contraception, including sterilisation.

Conclusion

The findings have implications for future community-based research and intersectoral policies and practices that promote agency and relational autonomy of women with intellectual disabilities.