Barriers to Reproductive Health Access and Parenthood for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities in Southern Africa

This brief report examines the challenges faced by adults with intellectual disabilities in Southern Africa regarding intimate relationships, parenthood and access to reproductive health services. Despite cultural values like Ubuntu emphasising interconnectedness, stigma, remnants of colonialism and underdeveloped service systems continue to marginalise individuals with intellectual disabilities.

This report synthesises existing literature to explore how cultural, historical and systemic factors shape the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Findings reveal that cultural and religious beliefs stigmatise persons with intellectual disabilities and that this impacts opportunities for intimate relationships and parenthood. Inadequate reproductive health services and untrained healthcare providers perpetuate misconceptions and neglect, impacting the realisation of social roles for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Culturally responsive, disability-inclusive policies must address systemic exclusions. Future research should document lived experiences and develop targeted interventions, fostering a more inclusive environment where individuals and parents with intellectual disabilities can thrive.