Sterilisation and intellectually disabled people in New Zealand—still on the agenda?

Abstract

Support through care and protection within a medical framework, rather than through the idea of independence within the least restrictive environment, continues to guide service provision for intellectually disabled people in the sexuality area. Past practices have included use of involuntary sterilisation. This article outlines the outcome of a search for information undertaken because of concerns that use of sterilisation-related procedures may remain embedded in contemporary approaches to sexuality support management. Verified instances of hysterectomy carried out between 1991 and 2001 were uncovered. Documents tabled at a Parliamentary Select Committee in 2003 expressing concerns about use in relation to young disabled girls were also found. Requests for sterilisation-related procedures exemplify how the right of all vulnerable citizens to full bodily integrity is currently adjudicated in New Zealand. It is suggested that further research is needed to pinpoint and address the underlying social customs through which requests for such procedures are negotiated and resolved.

Keywords:

• intellectual disability
• sexuality
• sterilisation
• rights
• gender

Notes

1. All material related to the submissions made to this J&ESC is held as hard copy, thus only available on application to The Librarian, The General Assembly Library, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand. Access from: http://www.panoramicearth.com/2334/Wellington/General_Assembly_Library

2. CCS and IHC are non-government agencies funded to provide support and advocacy services to disabled and intellectually disabled people in New Zealand.

3. Details of the two judgments involved—Re H and Re X—can be found in Shrenk (2011). Both judgments were given prior to adoption of COCA 2004.