Access to sexual and reproductive health services: Experiences and perspectives of persons with disabilities in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health is recognised as an essential component of good health and personal development. However, a number of studies suggest that persons with disabilities (PWD) are often marginalised by sexual and reproductive health programmes. In this study in-depth interviews were conducted with sexually active women and men of reproductive ages with different types of disabilities in order to examine access to sexual and reproductive health services in Durban, South Africa. The majority of respondents revealed that sexual and reproductive health services are a big part of their lives. However, there seemed to be a huge gap between their need for services and their rights to access these services. Gender compounded the negative experiences for women with disabilities. Women mentioned that health providers appear surprised that they will need family planning services, and they are not given choices about suitable birth control methods. The findings reveal a need to address access to sexual and reproductive health services for PWD.

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