Centering disability visibility in reproductive health care: Dismantling barriers to achieve reproductive equity

Access to comprehensive and culturally competent reproductive health care is essential for individuals and communities to realize and achieve health and well-being, as one prefers. The disability community represents a diverse group of individuals with a wide spectrum of functional, physical, sensory, and/or neurodivergent abilities. Existing barriers to reproductive health care are a consequence of environmental and attitudinal barriers, not from the disabilities themselves. People with disabilities are also not frequently centered or included in discussions surrounding reproductive rights. This article reviews the intersection of the Disability Justice Movement and the history of discrimination in the United States against people with disabilities with a particular focus on reproductive oppression. We discuss the mechanisms of inequity and barriers to health care, including financial barriers, inaccessible medical facilities, provider discrimination and competency, and guardianship; as well as the importance of open access to contraception, menstrual health, and abortion for people with disabilities. Finally, we explore the intersection of the Disability Justice Movement and the Reproductive Justice Movement to better promote reproductive autonomy. "Improving the inclusivity of reproductive care-shining the spotlight on individuals with disabilities"In June 2022, the US Supreme Court reversed the constitutional right to abortion in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling. This has sparked outcries from the Reproductive Justice Movement regarding the critical importance to make decisions about whether and when to get pregnant, whether and when to prevent pregnancy, and how to manage unwanted pregnancies. Yet, individuals with disabilities are frequently not centered or included in discussions surrounding reproductive rights. This is especially troubling due to a long-standing history of marginalization in this population. In this article, we review how we can approach health care from an inclusivity perspective to dismantle implicit biases, confront systemic barriers, and embrace the diversity of those with disabilities. We illuminate the US history of discrimination and stigmatization against people with disabilities specific to contraception and abortion, and discuss barriers to equitable reproductive health care. Finally, we offer guidance on improving access, quality, delivery of inclusive health care, and centering the patient experience.