Barriers Faced by Women with Disabilities in Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: Experiences from North India

Abstract

Introduction: Women with disabilities (WWD) face numerous challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive (SRH)-related services. These barriers include sociocultural, political, economic and structural factors, prohibitive costs, lack of availability of appropriate services (and equipment) and attitude of family/health service providers.

Objectives: To explore the opinion of WWDs regarding barriers faced in access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services

Methodology: 50 WWDs with age 15+ were enlisted from various sources hospitals, colleges, banks, etc. Their in-depth interview was done to gather information regarding sociodemographic details, self-reported symptoms suggestive of gynecological morbidity. Their treatment-seeking behavior and barriers they faced pertaining to SRH care were also explored.

Results: Average age of respondents was 29.84 years. Majority (78%) of females had locomotor disability followed by blindness (8%). Many (36%) respondents reported that access was major problem faced when they visited hospitals, e.g., transportation, lack of ramps, inappropriate examination tables, etc. Long waiting hours (22%) and inaccessible toilets (20%) also impede disabled women’s access to reproductive health services. 8% women referred to attitude of healthcare providers as barrier to healthcare. Their verbatim responses reflected a range of such barriers to SRH: “Lift operator did not allow us to use lift and my husband took me through ramp to fourth floor”. “We are not considered part of society. People think we are useless and burden to society”. “Attendants and clerks use abusive language for us”. “I did not go for checkup because nobody gives us priority and I can’t wait for that long. Government should make some special arrangements for us”.

Conclusion: WWD continue to experience “health disadvantage” with respect to SRH in terms of lack of physical access, hostile attitude of providers and discrimination in the society.