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Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy 1/2022

07-03-2021

The Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young People with Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review

Authors: Allison Carter, Iva Strnadová, Chloe Watfern, Roxanna Pebdani, Deborah Bateson, Julie Loblinzk, Rebecca Guy, Christy Newman

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

We examined the breadth of research on sex, sexuality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights with young people with intellectual disability in the past two decades.

Methods

An inclusive scoping approach focused on agency and resilience was used to review studies in English-speaking, high-income countries (2000–2019).

Results

In the 68 studies included, we found positive examples of sexual and reproductive agency across five key domains: 1) sexual development including sexual desire, identities, relationships, and menstruation, 2) sexual knowledge including sexuality education and sexual self-advocacy, 3) sexual activity and contraceptive use, 4) access to HPV immunization and cervical cancer screening, and 5) pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. The strongest factors in enabling agency were social support and sexuality education. However, several barriers including paternalist attitudes and infantilization of young people with intellectual disability affected all aspects of sexual expression, leading to the persistence of unfair and avoidable health inequities over the past two decades.

Conclusions

Ensuring young people with intellectual disability have a voice on all matters affecting their bodies, even if they have high support needs, is essential to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.

Policy Implications

Anti-ableist policies in sexual and reproduction health (e.g., education curriculum, service delivery) are key to moving forward.

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Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights of Young People with Intellectual Disability: A Scoping Review
Authors
Allison Carter
Iva Strnadová
Chloe Watfern
Roxanna Pebdani
Deborah Bateson
Julie Loblinzk
Rebecca Guy
Christy Newman
Publication date
07-03-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-021-00549-y

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