ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of disability by examining some of the perceptions and definitions of disability. It then reviews the relationship of disability and childbearing, highlighting the demographics of those women who embark on childbearing and identifying the experiences of women with a disability. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) brought a legal definition of disability by defining disability as a physical or mental impairment. The Equality Act (2010) reinforced the duty of all members of society to make reasonable adjustments to avoid substantial disadvantage for those members with a disability. The WHO (2011) estimates that approximately 16-19 per cent of the world's adult population has a type of disability, with a 9 per cent estimate within the 18-49 year age group. In UK both the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have published guidance papers to assist midwives and nurses to provide appropriate care to women with disabilities.
