Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Outcomes

Reproductive health in women with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is an area characterized by neglect and prejudice. For much of the twentieth century, involuntary sterilization of women with IDD was common. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities now protects the reproductive rights of people with IDD, but eugenic ideologies remain entrenched in the health system. These issues have resulted in pervasive reproductive health inequities for women with IDD related to reproductive cancer screening, contraception, preconception health, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and menopause. Significant changes to reproductive health care are required to address these disparities, including creation of tailored resources that support reproductive health care access and informed decision making in women with IDD; development of healthcare provider curricula that address knowledge, attitudes, and skills required to deliver high-quality reproductive health care for these women; and integration of greater flexibility and collaboration in the health system.