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Sterilisation of intellectually disabled women
Summary
Sterilisation rates are three times higher for women with intellectual disabilities (IDW) in Belgium compared to the general population. Institutional living and higher IQ significantly increase this probability, particularly for those with severe disabilities.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Disability Studies
- Bioethics
Background:
- Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception.
- Intellectual disability presents unique challenges in reproductive healthcare access and decision-making.
- Previous research indicates disparities in reproductive health outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sterilisation prevalence among women with intellectual disabilities (IDW) in Belgium.
- To identify medical and social factors associated with increased sterilisation rates in IDW.
- To compare sterilisation rates in IDW with the general population.
Main Methods:
- Population-based study including 97% of IDW aged 18-46.
- Data collected from government-accredited institutions in Brussels-Capital and Walloon Brabant, Belgium.
- Analysis of factors associated with sterilisation probability.
Main Results:
- 22.2% of included IDW were sterilised, significantly higher than the 7% in the general Belgian population.
- Factors associated with higher sterilisation probability included living in an institution, higher IQ, and institutional policies on sexual activity and contraception.
- These associations were more pronounced among women living in institutions, especially those with severe intellectual disabilities.
Conclusions:
- Sterilisation prevalence is threefold higher in IDW compared to the general Belgian population.
- Institutional factors, particularly for severely disabled women, are strongly correlated with sterilisation.
- Further research and ethical considerations are needed to address reproductive rights and choices for IDW.