266142 Exploring the reproductive rights of women with intellectual disabilities under guardianship: A policy analysis of the past, present and looking ahead to the next 5 years

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 9:29 AM - 9:47 AM

Priti Mehta, MPA Candidate , Center for Development and Disability, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
     
This presentation will explore various topics that surround the reproductive rights of women with intellectual disabilities who have either a guardian or conservator. The topics include the ethical, economical, moral and policy implications which surround the reproductive rights of women with intellectual disabilities. The history of reproductive rights of people with disabilities in the United States will also be explained.

This topic is of significance for people with disabilities, their families and the public for various reasons. It is estimated that 1.2% of United States population has a mental disability. While the practice of forced sterilization of people with disabilities is no longer performed in the United States, 15 states still allowed the practice of sterilization of people with disabilities as recently as 1983.

Currently the issue of reproductive rights and the funding of public programs for people with disabilities has received much attention at the state and federal level. This presentation will focus on guardianship laws and the reproductive rights of women with intellectual disabilities in the State of New Mexico.

Learning Areas:
Administration, management, leadership
Advocacy for health and health education
Ethics, professional and legal requirements
Public health administration or related administration
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Participants will demonstrate an understanding of the history of reproductive rights of women with disabilities in the United States Participants will define guardianship laws in the State of New Mexico and how it affects the reproductive rights of women with intellectual disabilities. Participants will understand how current policies regarding reproductive rights affect women with intellectual disabilities.

Keywords: Disability Policy, Reproductive Planning

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a Master’s in Public Administration candidate studying Health Policy. I have been working in the area of disability for 7 years and my interests are in improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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