“People Tell Me I Can't Have Sex”: Women with Disabilities Share Their Personal Perspectives on Health Care, Sexuality, and Reproductive Rights

Much of the information “known” about the personal beliefs and experiences of women with developmental disabilities, their needs, desires, and sexual practices, have been gleaned from second-hand accounts and speculation. Utilizing direct interviews, this study was designed to assess women’s level of knowledge, their access to resources and their feelings of control over choices concerning their bodies. Further, this study sought to examine the impact that disability 196has on sexuality from the women who experience it. Implications for future research are discussed.