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.

Keywords:

• persons with disabilities
• sexual and reproductive health services
• access
• South Africa

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sibusisiwe Siphelele Mavuso

SIBUSISIWE SIPHELELE MAVUSO holds a Master's in Population Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and another in International Development Studies from Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. She is a policy researcher. Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Pranitha Maharaj

PRANITHA MAHARAJ is an Associate Professor at the School of Built Environment and Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She has written extensively on sexual and reproductive health issues. Email: [email protected]