Agency, Access, and Advocacy: How to Improve Quality and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare for Young People with Disabilities
Author
Torres, Karen AbrilIssue Date
2022Advisor
Weinstein, Randi
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The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
1 in 4 adults in the United States identify with having a disability, which makes people with disabilities the largest legally-protected minority group. Yet, their quality of sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRH care) is significantly worse than the care received by people without disabilities. This is because of ableism, the oppression of people with disabilities and the preference for people without disabilities. Medical ableism is continuing to present as an overwhelming global issue because many providers have not been formally educated about ableism and disability issues at any level of education. This results in misdiagnosing people with disabilities, assuming people with disabilities cannot make beneficial decisions for themselves, assuming their sexual identities, not offering or denying services, etc. which can all be detrimental for the health of people with disabilities. The problem is only amplified when patients with disabilities are young people (people ages 14-25). This is because young people are generally invalidated in their experiences in adult-centered spaces, including healthcare settings. Seeing that there is minimal research that has been done about the specific intersection of young people with disabilities, this literature review analyzes the existing research on the barriers young people and people with disabilities experience while trying to access quality SRH care. It will also serve as a call to action to create and implement a curriculum on ableism toward young people with disabilities that centers people with disabilities.Type
Electronic Thesistext
Degree Name
B.S.Degree Level
bachelorsDegree Program
PhysiologyHonors College