Literature Review on Provision of Appropriate and Accessible ...

PAGE 77
perceive sexual activity as adding further complications to an already
complex life. Martin (2002) argues that an adult with learning disabilities
should no longer need her parents’ permission to obtain contraception;
however, if she is still living at home, she may have little opportunity to
discuss these issues with a professional.
Key principles in providing support to women with intellectual disability
in the area of contraception were identified in the literature as follows:
• Decisions around the use of contraception should be based upon
the informed choice of the person with intellectual disability;
any assistance they require should be given as part of the multidisciplinary
approach (BILD, 2000)
Support to People with an Intellectual Disability who are
Accessible
and Appropriate of Provision on <strong>Review</strong> <strong>Literature</strong>
Experiencing Crisis Pregnancy
• The rights of a person who has a disability to have freedom
of choice should be supported and the least restrictive option
in relation to the management of their menstruation and/or
contraception should be exercised (Office of the Public Guardian,
2007).
• Contraceptive treatment should not be decided on the basis of a
woman’s disability alone (Office of the Public Guardian, 2007).
• While recognising that women with a disability have the right to
be protected from sexual abuse and exploitation, consent should
not be given to contraception as the sole strategy to minimise
the potential risk of harm in these situations (Office of the Public
Guardian, 2007).
• Consent to a contraceptive treatment in situations of potential
abuse should only be given in cases where issues of the person’s
freedom of action and exposure to risk have been considered, and
it is necessary to protect the woman from unwanted pregnancy
(Office of the Public Guardian, 2007).
• Women with a disability should be supported to have access
to appropriately trained family planning professionals for
counselling regarding the need for, and method of, contraception
treatment prior to its use (Office of the Public Guardian, 2007);