REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NEEDS OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES: A NON-PHARMACEUTICAL INTERVENTIONS APPROACH

Abstract

This paper demonstrated barriers encountered by Women with Disabilities (WWD) as regards their reproductive health such as difficulty in accessing reproductive health needs and information, lack of knowledge and negative attitude of healthcare providers based on previous findings from researchers. This paper proposed a first-step non-pharmaceutical approach to providing women with disabilities with better reproductive health care. Women with disabilities require reproductive health care that is specific to women's needs and traits. There is also a need for training for healthcare professionals to understand the special requirements of WWD patients. This training should focus on patient-centered care, working effectively with women, and the link between disabilities and pregnancy is necessary for healthcare professionals. Education and resources should also be made available to enhance respect for women with disabilities and promote their safety to meet the population's needs for reproductive health. Also, the government should ensure advocacy for increased access to sexual and reproductive health services, including prenatal and postnatal care for women with disabilities.   Keywords: Reproductive Health, Women with Disabilities, Reproductive Health Needs of Women with Disabilities, Non-pharmaceutical Interventions