Introduction: Locating Sexual and Reproductive Rights for Adolescents with Disabilities

Abstract

The majority of the over one billion people with disabilities (PWDs) around the world face challenges related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The main causes are cultural, legal, political and social practices that continue to marginalize people with disabilities when it comes to SRHR. Recently, SRH for PWDs has received the attention of world leaders and policy makers through the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD explicitly recognizes sexual and reproductive rights of PWDs. The Convention challenges all cultural, social, political and religious practices that may harm the rights of people with disabilities, especially in matters of marriage, family,parenthood and relationships. The current book seeks to add more evidence on how disability and sexual and reproductive health issues are handled the world over. The book also shows different opportunities and initiatives that are currently being promoted the world over in an effort to assist people with disabilities to access sexual and reproductive rights.